hmm, so the 250 is not self adjusting? ratcheting may have been a wrong term. But looking at the fiche, there are spacers/rods and springs. Tension is there built in. so either a spring is getting weak, the spacers are somehow wearing out or the cam chain is getting pretty loose/wore out.

 

Heres pics of the rod and a flat spot on the bearing. I couldnt tell you for sure if it is lockingor if it got stuck.Im pretty sure it self adjusts, I forgot to look in the manual to see if it says assemble with grease. All I know is it sounded like I broke a rocker or the piston was hitting something, I replaced it and it sounds great.

Judging by the pics Im pretty sure replacing the whole thing is in order. Btw this is with barely 8K on the engine.

 

Interesting pics!! That bearing and rod looked pretty toasted!! Even with mine having 18K+ it still looke like brand new. Maybe for $38+ SH, I could have bought the whole assy, I still opted to do what I did.Smart move if that works for ya.