Looks like Commando timing cover, is the engine Commando too?Head steady straps are the same for all three frame types, P11, P11A, and Ranger 750. Something must be out of line.
Or somebody messed up the threads in the head steady mount at the frame, welded it up, and drilled and tapped a new mount 1/4 inch too far forward from the head.I realize that, but There is no bend in the frame and the engine seems to be mounted correctly... that is what is puzzling us.
It appears the center hole in that head has been drilled and tapped for a larger bolt. All three holes are the same size and thread on a stock Commando head.Memory is not perfect. I did the head swap on and off around 1990, so based on Ron's correction, I apparently used a different bolt in the Commando head. I know I did not use a stud for the head steady on either head. I actually went out and checked a minute ago.
Edit: The thread in the center mounting hole of the 3 head steady mounting bosses in the Commando head I have (shown below) is 3/8-BSF. So I was "correct" about the head steady mount threads and bolt I used on my P11 being the same in both heads in my case. I verified it with a 3/8-BSF stud I had that fit. The two outer head steady holes in the Commando head I have are smaller and could be 5/16 BSF. I did not verify threads on those outer holes, since they are not used for the P11 head steady.
Top view of the Commando head I have: (The rocker oil feeds are on the sides of this head. It is not a P11 or Atlas head.)
While on the wrong ideas path... It is highly doubtful that the frame mount location for the head steady was welded up, re-drilled, and threaded 1/4" off. It would be really obvious.
I thought the same after you provided the thread info. I only know about what I have in my possession and am able to verify outside of a forum message box. I merely wanted to show why I said what I said earlier.It appears the center hole in that head has been drilled and tapped for a larger bolt. All three holes are the same size and thread on a stock Commando head.
Do you think if I just loosen the bolts there is enough slack?