[diginahole]

I've been having similar problems with my Partner lately. I'm betting that I'm due for some clutch work though. Them centrifugal clutches can be finicky. New springs in the wacker solved the problems I was having there. Mind you, it was the opposite problem that you are having with the saw. On the tamper the springs became tired and would engage the clutch before the engine could build enough power to get the exciter going. If you think the clutch is OK then try some belt dressing, 'round here it comes in an aerosol can. It has helped me many times on noisy slipping fan belts on the trucks. My guess says there is a bigger problem though. I have found that I need to tighten replacement belts on the Partner tighter than the spot indicated on the saw. Have you tried that?