** There is a very strong smell. Is this normal. **

I would assume it would depend on the smell and how bad it actually was. It is possible that some fine lint particles where loosened in the process and are now inside the dryer ducting. Such particles should either burn up as they pass over the element or be vented outdoors.

** Should I run it empty for a few minutes to see if it disappears? **

*IF* you were to try it, I would be sure to stick close by. Maybe run it on a 'no heat' or 'air fluff' setting first to try to exhaust any loose particles rather than burn them? The smell might also just be caused by a coating on the element itself from packaging, which if present should dissipate within a short period of use.

JMO

Dan O.

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