I have a 93 f2. There are six screws that hold the top engine cover on and one of mine is not there. i tried installing a new one but could not get it to take. Do you think it needs to be tapped or am i just basically screwed? any other ideas as well would be appreciated.

 

If the threads are stripped out and it is a blind hole I would helicoil it. (A blind hole is one that doesn't go all the way through.)

 

is it leaking? Or do you just want one there?

You might be able to get a little longer bolt from the hardware store and try it. Holes are tapped deeper than what the original bolt can go. So if you get a bolt that is a few threads longer, you may get into good threads on the hole and be ok. If it does work out, just be sure to not over torque it. it wont be able to hold up to as much torque, but may be enough to hold what you need.

Other than that, what cb750 already said is about your only option.

 

Make sure the threads on the new screw don't have a burr on them. Make sure the diameter and pitch are the proper size for the threaded hole.(if you don't have a thread pitch gage, try the new screw in a hole you know is good, if it gives you fits, it's probably the wrong pitch.) If those 2 things are correct, then inspect the threaded hole in the frame with a flashlight, looking for washed out threads, if you see some damage, then yes I woild say you can try to chase the threads with a tap: but be careful when you start the tap, or you will double thread the hole! With a little care, you should be able to reestablish the original thread. use kerosene when tapping aluminum to keep it from gumming up.
I would suggest as Justasquid said at this point to use a slightly longer screw, as then you be picking up on threads which were never damaged, as well as the reestablished thread.
If you do all these things catiously, you should be able to aviod a helicoil, which can be difficult to install properly with just the use of a holeshooter.

 

Well, what's up? Did you get you get 'er done, or what?