Replacing compressor within AC condenser

Sherman Ave near Lamont St, Washington DC

Description

Model: Lennox XC14-036-230 After several years of intermittently not working (approx 10% of the time), the compressor on my AC condenser started tripping the circuit breaker as soon as reset. The previous intermittency manifested itself by everything working EXCEPT for the compressor (inside and outside fan). Now the outside unit doesn't work at all. I did some testing as per YouTube and diagnosed that there is a short to the ground of the compressor. One of the poles on the contactor (see picture) shows resistance greater than 0L. I have another system for my basement apartment which works and both poles on that one show 0L. Also, once I disconnected the wires that go from the contactor to the compressor (top red and black), I was able to reset the circuit breaker, which means it was the compressor that caused the circuit breaker to trip. Please note that I am not looking to replace the whole condenser but only the compressor within because the rest of the unit works and it is located on the roof (easily accessible by persons via skylight but not to haul another unit up there). I am looking for someone to do the following project plan: Day 1: 1. (Dis)confirm my hypothesis that the compressor is shorted to ground, which means the compressor needs to be replaced as it apparently cannot be fixed. 2. If 1. is confirmed, drain the system and remove the old compressor to get the specifications to order new. While this seems redundant, the politics of the Lennox company is such that they don't readily share documentation, including specifications on parts because they want you to go through their dealer and I don't want that. So, it needs to be done the hard way by looking physically rather than online. I tried googling and found one on Amazon for $680 but I am not sure it matches. 3. If needed, clean the pipes if the refrigerant is mixed with the oil from the compressor. Day 2 (once the new compressor arrives): 4. Install the new compressor, braze the connections and recharge the system. FYI I am a general builder who does all work but don't have HVAC license to buy refrigerant and no experience brazing, otherwise I would do it myself. Extensive experience both plumbing and electrical. Just so you don't think I am a clueless home owner because I hate when people talk to me with that assumption.