Patient: recently acquired 1996 A4 12V fwd manual trans.

I replaced what seemed like a sluggish starter with a cheap used one...still no go. The starter smoked a few times as I was testing, so I figure it's a decent $50 investment.

I bit the bullet and pulled the front end off to pull timing belt covers, get access to the serp tensioner and crank bolt, and get room to work on it. I pulled the serp belt and found the AC compressor seized. It fired right up and sounded fairly good.

Next thing on the list is to find the coolant leak the PO reported. I filled the reservoir and let it run for about 5 minutes without seeing any leakage. I guess it can't be THAT bad of a leak...unless it ends up being a head gasket.

What are my options on the compressor? Is this going to require a whole new compressor or could it be a faulty clutch that's somehow keeping the pulley from turning?

due to the load a seized compressor placed on the engine causing it to overheat. The AC clutch "may" have gotten VERY hard to turn prior to fully seizing.

wow, i wish i was so lucky, you should come to vegas, and maybe you can dump a brand new Audi in the garage this time
Congrats

for some training. I spent a grand total of $5 on gambling....not quite my thing.

I get the compressor sorted out? Looks like its the early Zexel brand compressor based on the VIN.