The problem is the keep warm element. The reason, your pot perc's and it gets hot near the thermo, the thermo turns off the main element. The keep warm element is not on so after a small amount of time the water cools and the thermo turns the main element back on again, thus making the water hot. The K W element is supposed to be on all the time the pot is plugged in, it is instrumental in perking the first brew making it really hot, the thermo turns off the main element and the K W element keeps the water hot. The K M element is very a easy fix, it is the small looking white rope that runs around the bottom of the pot. You have 1-nut and 1- screw to remove. When removing the screw from the main element you must hold the (leg) that the K M element is screwed to so it does not bend and brake off. Take your time and be firm with the pressure you apply to the screw, while holding it with a pliers Good luck. bobbyone