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?

[TonyV]

fruitsalad what's the model and Year?

[Hopkirk]

When that happened to my Rover 214 it was a blown head gasket.

[Hymie]

Do the dashboard lights dim when the ignition clicks?

[Hymie]

Should have added, if the lights dim then you have a flat battery, otherwise I’d suspect the starter motor/solenoid or the anti-theft system preventing the engine cranking for some reason.

[bhg481]

A worst case scenario; if your antifreeze is poor the radiator would be frozen. When you start the car and leave it the engine will get warm, then hot, then boil and, finally, sieze.

[Hopkirk]

I think that is similar to what happened to my Rover, Bhg, except that the gasket blew before the engine seized.

[Buenchico]

Start by checking the oil:

First use the dipstick to check that there's actually some oil in it. (NB: Remember to wipe the dipstick, and then reinsert it, rather than just looking at the end of it as soon as you extract it). If there's no oil, then there's a very good chance that the engine has seized. If so, you'll either need a new engine or a new car.

Next, assuming that there's actually some oil in the engine, remove the filler cap and peer inside. (A torch can be useful here). You're hoping to see the surface of the oil looking just like it would if you peered inside a container of oil that you'd just bought from a shop. If, instead, it looks like thick mayonnaise, then a head gasket has blown. (Probably around £800 to fix at an independent garage, or well over a grand at a main dealer. Alternatively consider getting a reconditioned engine fitted - or scrapping the car!).

Let's hope that neither of those problems turn out to be the fault though!

[fruitsalad]

Its a pegeout 207 2006
Tony, I dont think its battery because lights come on ok

[tonyav]

HopkirkI think that is similar to what happened to my Rover, Bhg, except that the gasket blew before the engine seized.

LOL, anybody with a rover fitted with the K series engine was very lucky if they didn't at least blow one head gasget.

[fruitsalad]

No ignition lights don't dim when ignition is turned on

[zebo]

Oh yes, the K engine, broke my heart to sell my MGF when we were warned it could be starting to have problems! Did any of the fixes solve the problem?

[fruitsalad]

Also there was a burnt type smell when lifting the bonnet after it had cut out even after 2 or 3 days you could still smell it.

[tonyav]

fruitsalad, Don't know if it's possible for you to get some help and try bump starting the car ?. If it bump starts it is probably the starter motor that as gone up the creek.

[TonyV]

If it's just clicking, I'd go with Hymies suggestion that it's a problem with starter motor solonoid not engaging for some reason, sometimes a gentle tap with a hammer will free it.

[tonyav]

Did any of the fixes solve the problem?

Sort of, zebo. An upgraded head gasket , dowels and a higher tensile steel head bolts.

[Karolina82]

The click you hear is probably the starter solenoid.
You could try the following providing you're not on a hill:
1. Remove the ignition key
2. Select 2nd gear
3. Handbrake off
4. Rock the car to and fro a few times (get someone to help you)
5. Handbrake on
6. Select neutral gear
7. Try to start it again

[Buenchico]

>>> there was a burnt type smell when lifting the bonnet after it had cut out

That sounds suspiciously like a seized engine, from a lack of oil, then!

[TonyV]

Think you could be right Chris.

[jennyjoan]

that happened to me last night FruitSalad and I deserved it - I kept ignoring the petrol light and that's what happened. Luckily I am not far away from Sainsburys and went over and bought a cannister of petrol and woe and behold I scooted away.

[Hopkirk]

I think Fruitsalad would be very lucky if it was as simple as running out of petrol.