Where is compression release located on homelite saw

SOURCE: very hard to pull when starting . i think the

If defective it must be replaced.
Starter Handle difficult to pull:
1. Remove the starter cover.
· Inspect the flywheel and crankshaft under the starter cover. Are the woodruff key slots on the crack shaft and flywheel aligned and the key intact? If not; Please consider taking the saw to a good local saw seller/mechanic for a written diagnosis before authorizing any repair or ordering any parts; if yes continue.
· Does the starter operate smoothly? If yes, reinstall the cover and continue with 2, if not repair the starter.
2. Is the saw equipped with a decompression valve? Yes continue, no proceed with 3.
· Leave the ignition off, set the valve and pull the starter.
· Pull gently to release the valve. Is there a difference in the effort required?
· If yes continue with 3, if no repair or replace the decompression valve.
3. Was this saw perhaps operated in a lean condition (metal transfer from the piston to cylinder wall)? This may be caused by many things including but not limited to; leaky intake connections at the engine or carburetor; leaky crankcase seals; cracked fuel delivery lines; running on gasoline containing no 2-cycle oil.
· Disconnect the spark plug wire and remove the plug. Remove the muffler (clean it and the spark arrestor before reinstalling), hold a light at the plug hole and inspect the cylinder through the exhaust port. Is it smooth and shiny or does it appear speckled with dull gray spots or smears?
· Pull the starter slowly, inspect the piston as it rises and falls. Is it a dull gray without scratches and gouges?
· Hold the light at the exhaust port and look through the spark plug hole, inspect the cylinder above the exhaust port. Is it shiny and smooth or speckled with gray spots or smears?
Please Note: Any spots or smears on the cylinder or deep scratches and gouges in the piston indicate the saw was operated in a lean condition. Repair of this on a home owner quality saw often exceeds replacement cost. A repair estimate by an independent saw shop should be considered.

If you have more questions or need additional help please reply below and I will get back to you. Good Luck. HTH
Lou
Thank You for using FixYa.

SOURCE: Lost OM, starting question - Homelite 10655 chain saw

The compression release should be a metal button that projects from the cylinder head and extends out from the cylinder cover so that it can be depressed before starting. There should be an immediate lessening of compression when pushed. If no such result, the release mechanism should be removed and cleaned, or replaced. Proper starting is to pump the primer button several times to fill the bulb with fuel, then set the choke closed, the ignition on and set the fast idle on the throttle. Pull the engine through several times until it pops, then release the choke part way, and try to start. Don't pull the throttle during this as it will release the fast idle setting. Once the engine fires, the compression release should self-reset for maximum compression. Hope this makes sense and helps!