Hotpoint CTD00 tripping electric?

Hi,

I'm having a problem with my hotpoint ctd00 tripping the electric each time I try to turn it on.

I've checked the pumps and pipes and they're clear and dry, cleared out as much lint from all the holes I can see. Filament is also dry.

If I take off the panel that houses the filament and take it away from the main body of the washing machine then it will work and run fine but as soon as the metal of the filament case touches the main machine, it sparks and cuts out. The panel has a rubber ring all the way around it but the trouble is the screws to attach this panel back on creates the connection and sparks out.

I've thought about using rubber washers to prevent the screws touching but seeing as it hasn't had a problem in the past 4 years odd, I'm thinking it shouldn't be cutting out at all when the filament panel touches the main machine?

Can anyone offer any advice?

Cheers,