OK, so I took it apart. The motor looked fine. The switch at the handle was stuck, so I unstuck it.

The switch helps answer why the motor didn't shut down, but it doesn't explain why it started pouring white smoke. Could that somehow be related to the switch? It is quite hot out -- could this be some sort of overheat? The motor seemed to running a bit slower than usual when it was out of control. Could this be a clue to the white smoke or just a result of the switch being half-open?

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"Senior Luna, your sense of humor is still loco... but we love it, anyway." -rickymay ____ "Your sense of humor is still loco... " -MBeige ____ "Señor Luna, your sense of humor is quite järjetön" -Delibes

1982 300SD -- 211k, Texas car, tranny issues ____ 1979 240D 4-speed 234k -- turbo and tuned IP, third world taxi hot rod

2 Samuel 12:13: "David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die."