[Healeys] Carb jet tube clearance

[Daniel and Diane White]

Fellow listers,
I have a 1962 BN7 tri carb.  I'm doing the reassembly part of the 
restoration and find that the jet head on the rear carb is extremely 
close to the steering tube.  It's so close that if the choke were to be 
operated there would be no possible downward movement at all.  So far 
I've found out that the jet is the correct length for the carb (some 
after market jets are longer than the original equipment).  The frame 
hasn't been damaged/bent.  Engine and trans mounts are new.  I've 
researched the list archives and not found anything relating to this 
problem.  Steering tube looks to be centered through the firewall and 
dash.  Carbs, heat shield and spacers are correctly assembled.  From my 
reading of the workshop manual and looking at it's mounts I don't think 
the steering tube can be moved away from the jet head.  Anyone ever 
experience a clearance problem like this?  Any thoughts would be 
appreciated.
Thanks, Dan