A/C difficulties
 

I am having problems with my A/C recently. When I turn it on, the compressor wheel seems to lock, then turn, then lock... I am thinking the clutch engages and releases and the compressor is siezed up. Does this sound like I am going to have to replace my A/C compressor? Is a compressor something that can be rebuilt? How difficult is it to replace a compressor on the FD? Is a compressor something that would be OK to buy used or should I get one from the dealer?
thanks

Are you sure that the compressor clutch is not just turning on and off? They are supposed to cycle. If the center of the compressor turns then it's not locked up. They cycle more frequently sometimes when the temp is low or if they are low on refrigerant. Let me know if this helps.
Don.

I don't think the center turns. The clutch cycles and the pulley jerks but the center never turns. When it engages the pulley stops turning and the engine lugs down and sometimes even dies.

You're right, sounds like your compressor is locked up. I would personally recommend a new Mazda compressor and not a used one or reman. It's one of those things... you can pay now or pay lots later. I have installed quite a few "reman" compressors just to replace them later. So as a mechanic it doesn't pay to go used or reman. When you replace it make sure that the whole system is cleaned up and flushed out. The best (most expensive) way is to have everything removed and flushed. This is to keep any remnants of the old compressor from chewing up the new one. Most of it should have been caught by the receiver drier, though. Oh, and speaking of the drier... have it replaced with a new one. They normally cost around $30 or so on most cars, but I'm not sure what a 3rd gen one costs. Good luck... and make sure you find someone that knows what they're doing... that is if you're paying someone to do the work.
Don.