Grub screw - Blue smoke

[omegalyn]

Hi there Folks,

Can anyone tell me what the grub screw is for on the top of the steering box, also when starting the car I notice a cloud of bluish smoke passing by, I think this is wors when cold, could this be the Cat, or are the piston rings worne, 85000miles on the clock.

Thanks

Omegalyn

[Kevin Wood]

I think the screw on the top of the steering box is probably for adjustment of the mesh of the gears inside the box.

Blue smoke on startup is probably a little oil seeping past the valve stem oil seals when the engine is stopped. If oil consumption is not excessive and the engine runs sweetly otherwise it's not a cause for concern.

The mileage is low, so I very much doubt there'd be any problem with the piston rings. It's worth checking that the breathers are clear and keeping up regular oil changes.

Kevin

[omegalyn]

Thanks Kevin,

What happens if you adjust the grub screw left or right?

[Kevin Wood]

I guess it preloads the gears in the steering box to control the play although I am well into speculation at this point!

Adjust it incorrectly and I would imagine you'll either have an Omega that wanders all over the road or the 'box will be set up too tight and wear very rapidly.

It'd be interesting to know what the adjustment procedure, if any, says about it.

Kevin

[The Barge Captain]

I guess it preloads the gears in the steering box to control the play although I am well into speculation at this point!

Adjust it incorrectly and I would imagine you'll either have an Omega that wanders all over the road or the 'box will be set up too tight and wear very rapidly.

It'd be interesting to know what the adjustment procedure, if any, says about it.

Kevin

Me too although I haven't had a look in the book of lies yet.

[omegalyn]

Thanks again Kevin,

I have a bit of play in the steering, notice it more when engine not running, not much but wondered if the grub screw would take up the play. the lower arm on the box looks O.K.  I don't want to fiddle withe the grub screw until I understand more about it.

[hotel21]

Check out the following thread.  M_DTM explains the how/why/not....

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1171222016/15

[omegalyn]

Thanks Hotel21. I shal have a look