adbhatts

I have a 94 cougar with the V8 engine and A/C. Recently, I went to start my engine and the serpentine belt snapped, producing a lot of smoke from what I can only image to be the belt. I don't have a ton of car experience so I'm hoping that someone on this forum might be able to help me? I'd really appreciate it.

The reason I'm nervous about just replacing the belt is that I think the ac compressor seized up and that's what created the friction that caused the belt to break. So if I replace it, the new belt will just break as well. My air conditioning does not currently work, and about two months ago smoke was coming off of it. I took it to a mechanic and all they said was that the compressor was probably burning out, but that the car was still safe to drive. Now that the belt has snapped, I'm not so sure...

I tried turning all of the wheel that are connected to the belt, to see if they would spin freely when the engine started, and all of them turned freely except the engine drive (duh) and the ac compressor.

So, does anyone know what I'm talking about, and can you provide me with some advice? Is the ac compressor not supposed to turn freely with the engine off but it will once started? Is it ok for me to replace the belt myself, or do I need it to be towed to a mechanic? How much will it cost to replace that compressor motor and the belt, with labor?

Thanks for any help you can offer, and I'll be sure to include any other information that I can remember if you only ask, as I'm sure I've missed some things that may benefit a solution.