I've got an 85' Lt 250r that I just bought at the beginning of the summer. I didn't get a manual with it . I don't seem to understand how to adjust the chain tension, I don't see anything the axle pivots on. Any help is greatly needed.

 

Its the same style as the one on my 86 LT250R. Loosen the 4 allen head screws on the rear of the swingarm hub, take a punch or similar tool and rotate the top of the hub towards you (as you are facing the rear of the machine ). The manual says "3/4 to 1 inch of freeplay when pushed up midway on the lower chain run". The allen head screw directly beneath the brake caliper is a
B$%&# to get access to.

 

Be sure to torque the hex heads to 16.5 - 24 lb-ft. It may help your swing arm last a little longer. 85 and 86 quadracers have a poorly designed swing arm. The axle end tends to break off from stress. It cost me $200.00 to get new ends welded on mine.

Roscoe
85 Quadracer
94 CR250

 

adjusting the chain may not be the problem, i thought it was on mine. the axle bearings went south in a hurry, and broke the bearing carier into two pieces, ruined the center spacer, and chewed up the sealing surface of the sprocket mount.
now I'm $400 into a permanent fix, (new: bearing carier-aftermarket- billet aluminum, tapered bearings & seals, anti-fade lock nut, factory sprocket mount)
while i was in there... i decided to splurge, and bought a Durablue X-33 axle(way cool, virtually indestructible)... for another $430... i just got it in yesterday & found out i didn't need the anti-fade nut... so i'm giving it to my brother.
i'm putting it all in tonight.... hopefully it all goes in easy.