I'm looking at buying a used LT250 for a great price. I want a project to build up, but don't know if a quad with the symptoms listed above is a good starting point. What are the most common causes for this? I'm not very familiar with two stroke engines. Can I get a list of causes and estimated repair prices? What is a good asking price for an '87 LT250, assuming everything else is in average condition?

 

there are alot of causes of no compression. first, check the timing components. is the chain broke??? if not its going to be either a valve train issue or a piston issue. all of these problems will be expensive to fix

 

Dude...
There are no valves on a LT250R 2-stroke.

Ollie;
You problem is probably piston, or ring related. You are looking at about 170 to rebuild a motor (if it only needs a top-end).
LT250's usually go for 1500-3000 bucks depending.
Personally, I'd look into a TRX250R if I were going to buy an older 2-stroke.

 

It probably just need the topend rebuilt.No problem.2-strokes are easy to rebuild.Get to the motor.This can be done with the motor still on the frame.After removing the plastic and gas tank,remove the cylinder head remove the cylinder.take out the c-clip(think that's what you call it)on either side of the piston.Take out the wristpin,and remove piston.Take to someone you trust and have the cylinder bored.Ask them what size piston depending on how much it was bored.Install the rings on the piston,install the piston(don't forget both c-clips).If I remember correctly,there should be an arrow on top of the piston that should be pointing toward the front of the quad.Install the gaskets,cylinder,and the cylinder head.I'd use fresh gas,add coolant and new gear oil.I say take it easy for a while the first time out on it and everything should be fine.Not motor related,a set of new clutches might not be a bad idea either.This might sound compicated,but it's really not with a little practice.

 

I second what rdz350 is telling you. No compression on a 2-stroke is usually a fairly cheap fix relatively speaking.