Clutch spring the spring coming from the clutch seems to be hanging loose when the blades are not engaged ... making a rattle noise .. seems like the arm from the clutch is not going back into place when the blades are turned off .. any ideas?

Does the noise happen only when you pull in on the clutch (disengage the clutch), and go away when you let the clutch out (engage the clutch)?

If so, that's the clutch plates rattling until the spring load is reapplied to clamp the up.

when you actuate the "engage blade" lever, two things may occur,
First, a mechanical action, a spring moves to put tension onto the belt.
Second; at the end of its run, actuate a switch (PTF switch) to engage the clutch that moves the pulleys that consequentially move the blades.
if the tensioner is not moving , check if spring has come lose, undone or broken, (more likely in your case) or check the PTF switch.
any other assistance, contact me, good luck.

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gerardo_79638d1eac6a0a1f

loose mounts,? frayed belt? noise sounds like what, (scream or rattle)

clutch engaged or now , look and see? or turn it off. and make sure it is off the clutch free spins, OFF.
if off, and noise still, get a new clutch bearing.
if only noise, with clutch engaged that is pump noise
ever heard of a $5 stethoscope at harbor fright.? get one listen to it.
if only the compressor makes noise its bad, end of life.
sure it makes noise , new. listen 1 one other car, to learn good from bad, takes what 5min?

check for a spring loaded idler pulley that keeps tension on the belt out of place.

Chances are either the nut on the compensating sprocket is loose or the primary chain is loose.

Check the heat shield over your catalytic converter, see if it's loose.

yes! you should be able to turn the clutch by hand.run the car,open the hood,have someone turn the a/c on.you should see and hear the clutch engage.

I’m happy to help further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/kenneth_3efc1f8510674f04

Most likely its in the clutch, could have been a spring in the clutch disc come loose or out, or the throut bearing went bad, whatever it was they will find out when they replace the clutch.

timing chain loose?  Piston slap?  Rod knock?  Loose clutch spring?