broken down fail!!! help!

[titcharoony]

Car broke down this evening. a repeated squeak)high pitchedfollowed by a repeated loud grinding. car hadnt so far over heated but was noisy. Pulled up, had a look under bonnet, looked like steam or smoke (not much), and a burning smell from under the spark plug area. Because it was dark i couldnt check the water, but the oil cap looked a little white (ot oh) but only a bit, not caked in white. The car did struggle to start up afterwards, like the battery was low - after id intially pulled up - there was a repeated clicking noise coming from under the engine mount (drivers side) area. I am thiking headgasket, but why the grinding noise? why the stalling? esp if it hasnt over heated? the AA will look tomorrow, but until then, any ideas? ta! if anyone can advise with a diagnosis, cud they suggest a usual (ish) quote to go with it?

[schakal]

probably an obvious question but is there oil in the engine ?

[titcharoony]

there is. its a little low, but its not too bad.

[titcharoony]

twas alternator