I have a 1993 250 2x4 2 stroke. I have never replaced piston and rings on a small engine before. How tough of a job is this? Do I need any special tools? I am leaking oil where the exhaust meets the engine and it seems as if the speed and power is lacking. I am thinking this might be the problem. Any ideas or help would be appreciated.

 

Sounds like you have leaky Crankshaft seal unfortunately. While I dont doubt that your top-end may need to be done also.

A top end rebuild is not that difficult, you only need regular metric tools to do it. I would rate it as Medium difficulty. Your repair manual should be able to walk you through most of it.
My 0.02c

 

Make sure you have the cylinder measured as to size and dont just stick a stock piston and rings back in. Most of the ones I've checked have to be bored at least first over depending on age and wear.

 

Thanks guys. I will look into this further. What would be a good repair manual to buy for this machine? I found one that is pretty broad. It was a 1985 to 1996 model polaris repair manual. Is there a manual that would be more specific that you would know of?

Thanks

 

The engine basically remained unchanged all these years,just the electronics,stator,etc are different on different models. Just a dependable little 250 that would go for years if maintained properly. I still service some. If its a Clymer manual then its good enough to show you what needs to be done. OPT