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?

 

More than likely, it's just a piston and cylinder bore. Cost is about $200. If the head is damaged it will cost a more for repair. If the head is trashed, you can find one on eBay pretty cheap. If the sleeve is on it's last bore you are looking at another $200 to relseeve it.
You should pull the reed cage or head and make sure the piston moves up and down though first. If not, you have a broken connecting rod and that's more like $500.

$.02

 

pull the head off, 6 nuts, and see if there is a hole in the piston. it could be bad rings, broken rod, burnt piston. also take off the flywheel cover and pull and move it up and down to see how the crank bearings are. check all the chasis bearings. i would pay only a few hundered for a non-running lt. i can't even get 2500 for mine which is totally rebuilt, including the engine top and bottom.

 

Thank you to elw38 and 800screws for the response. It is amazing how little they go for when not running. I guess it is the cost of man hours and parts causing the depriciation in value.

 

It could really go either way.When i bought my 87 lt250 i was told that it just needed piston rings and clutch. Well,the cylinder was totaly thrashed and cracked,the engine cases were cracked on the inside from rod failure(where i cant see),crank was bad,rod was bad main bearings shot. He said the clutch was bad but he had taken two plates out so it would not function so i wouldnt know 2nd gear was bad.Exhaust valve was broken(the exspensive part). i wouldnt pay more than 500 for a non running lt unless the chassis and suspension were absolutely 100% beautiful and nice

 

$1000 for a non runner is a fine price. Worst case, you can just buy a running motor off Ebay for $600, and it is pretty easy to get $200-$300 for a parts motor back on ebay. Just depends on how resourceful you are.