Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 2 stroke engine starting, 2 stroke engine, compression release

Question
I have a Homelite 16' chain saw and the puller rope is very stiff and will only come out partially.  I took off the puller assembly and its running free and smooth by itself.  The magnet flywheel will turn but hits a stiff section in its rotation even with the compression release engaged.  The flywheel only runs smooth with no resistance;ie the plug out.  The unit was a "give to" me so I have no history on it.  Thanks for any and all comments or ideas or guesses.  Its a Super 2 Homelite

Answer
It sounds like the crankcase is either full of fuel or bar oil and is hydraulically locking.  Fuel can leak in from the tank or through the impulse hose.  Bar oil can leak in from the tank.  You would need to remove the spark plug and crank the engine over rapidly to evacuate the crankcase.  Then you should be able to turn the engine over properly with the plug back in.  However, the problem will not be solved.  The fix will be determined by what you find in the crankcase.  Being the two halves of the crankscase also have compartments for fuel and bar oil and are separated with a gasket, there is a high probability this is the source of the problem.  To find the leak, you should empty everything out of the saw.  Then fill the fuel tank with gasoline.  Let the saw sit for a few hours and see if fuel has filled the crankcase again.  If not, empty the fuel tank and fill the bar oil tank with fuel.  Let the saw sit again.  If either tank allows fuel to enter the crankcase, you will need to split the saw down and replace the gasket.  If neither lets fuel in, you will need to investigate if the carb is flooding and fuel is filling the engine through either the intake port or the impulse hose.  Let me know what you find.  Hope this helps.