Has Something Burnt Out

[fruitsalad]

In the cold weather I started my car, to warm the engine and to let it run for a bit, at some point after I had gone indoors the engine cut out, it must of been at least 10 minutes, now it won't start at all, the ignition just clicks when I turn the key, could something have burnt out in the engine?

[tonyav]

Aint running out of petrol, jj. The engine would still turn over off the key.

[Hymie]

If hitting the starter motor with a mallet fixes the problem, it might be worn carbon brushes failing to make contact with the commutator. Sometimes the carbon brushes are easily replaced, otherwise you might have to swap out the starter motor for a new/reconditioned unit.

[Buenchico]

^^^ I can't see it being a starter motor problem, Hymie (although I agree that clouting a jammed starter with a mallet often solves such a problem). Fruitsalad has said (if I've read her post correctly) that the car started without any problems but the engine then cut out after running for at least 10 minutes.

[ChipaChups]

Have you tried jump leads? There may not be enough power in the battery and the starter motor's jammed.
Also check battery for any dry cells if it has screw tops on battery.
And check negative battery lead that is bolted on bodywork for rust.

[bhg481]

Do starter motors still jam? I thought that the demise of the inertia starter with its replacement pre-engaged variety had eliminated jamming.
In any case, as Buenchico pointed out, the engine cut out, so the starter motor can't be the cause of the fault. If the engine has siezed, as I suggested early on, attempting to start it, particularly with a bump start, might cause serious damage.

[Proper12]

Try jump starting the car as a first point of elimination process. Some of the older Peugeot cars have a problem where the alternator wears down and doesn't produce enough voltage to recharge the battery. If the car starts and then cuts out when jump leads are removed, see if you can get some to test the voltage from the alternator (it should produce around 14 volts when the engine is running and around 8-10 volts if faulty).

If this the case then it is far much cheaper to get the alternator re-conditioned than a buy a new one.

[Proper12]

Sorry, I forgot to add that before doing any work, you should visually examine your car to see if you can locate where the burning smell is coming from. Melted cables and wires usually smell for a long time and it may be the cause of the engine not starting.

[tonyav]

If the engine has siezed, as I suggested early on, attempting to start it, particularly with a bump start, might cause serious damage.

Already has serious damage, that will need a rebuild or engine swap.

[Canary42]

Slightly off topic, but leaving an engine running and going indoors is unwise - if a crook comes along and drives it off, the insurance company won't pay out (on the grounds you didn't take sufficient precautions to prevent theft).