Check your fuel mix first.

Yes — excessive smoke from a chainsaw is almost always the fuel-to-oil ratio. Two-stroke engines burn oil intentionally, but if you mixed it too rich (too much oil), you’ll get clouds of white or blue smoke. Dump the old fuel, mix a fresh batch at the ratio your manual says (usually 50:1 or 40:1), and see if it clears up.

If the smoke continues after that, check the air filter. A clogged filter makes the engine run rich — more fuel, less air, more smoke. Clean or replace it. Also make sure the chain brake isn’t partially engaged (that can overheat the clutch and produce smoke). And a dirty muffler screen can trap exhaust and cause smoke buildup.

Fuel mix is the simplest fix, so start there. A fresh gallon of gas and the right oil is cheaper than a carb rebuild.