2 year old saw....started to smoke. Appears that the chainbrake is not functioning correctly. When you pull back on the safety it will turn but the band tightens up as soon as you let off on the safety. Does click on and off like a safety brake should but even in the off position it still binds.
I have the same problem on a 14" Homlite. Homelite didn't tell me that there was a recall, but just told me to take it to an authorized repair center (haven't done that yet). So, what are they trying to hide!!???
David Daly, June 2007
there was a recall on the chainbreaks on the homelite saws.
They repaired mine at no cost. just took it back to where i bought it from(home Depot) and they had all the tech bulletins and recalls on file.