Thanks to this forum, I was able to determine my defrost problem, and def heater replacement. The local parts dealer provided a new dual element GE part# WR51X10101, packing date 8/31/09. Installation was snap, along with the defrost thermostat.

Putting everything back together, I find that the new heater is about 1/2" wider than the old one, preventing the back panel from fitting as before.

The 27 1/2" back panel normally fits over the evap coils, slides in front of the heater, behind the bottom basket supports, also covering the evap coil tubing outlet and partially obscuring the defrost drainage catch basin and drainage hole. I need the heater to suck in its gut about a 1/4" in order to get the panel past it. Otherwise, it looks like I will need to cut about 3 1/2" off the panel, where it will rest on the lip of the new heater. This will expose the evap coil tubing exit and the defrost catch basin/drain hole.

What am I missing?

Thanks!!