Mazda left running & overheated
 

Hi, Newbie here. I have a 2000 Mazda 626. When got out of it a few night ago, I left it running and went to bed! My roommate woke me up four hours later telling me there was smoke bellowing from my hood. I ran out and turned it off and let it seat for a day and it started up fine. I checked the oil, it was low but not bad. I drove it about 5 miles without issue. Suddenly the check engine light came on and it begin to stall when idle, it got bad quick and started making a clicking sound. I got it home, restarting it over and over, having to really gas it to get there. It began to smell like something was burning. I'm worried that I totally fried my engine. Anyone have ideas? Thank you...

Fried? Nope. Slow roasted is more like it. Stick a fork in it, I think it's done.

Best case scenario, only cylinder head damage. Won't know for sure til you start dissecting the engine to see what quit.

Worse case, the engine started to seize on the return trip home.

Rats,yeah...I kinda figured. I got a mechanic coming over in a couple of days to look at it. I just wanna half way sound like I know what I'm talking about. Thank you!