Bad thermal protector on A/C compressor

[geo]

The A/C compressor on my 99 Forester is fine, but the thermal protector that is designed to keep the compressor from overheating (consists of a plug-like temperature probe that plugs into the compressor and a connector that is mounted on the top of the compressor) is faulty. It will not allow the compressor to turn on, so I am currently bridging the contacts to bypass it. This arrangement allows the A/C to function properly.

 

I'd rather rest assured that I'm not going to fry my compressor, but unfortunately the part is apparently only sold with the compressor assembly.

 

Does anyone have experience with a similar problem? Any thoughts on how likely it is that bypassing the thermal protector will damage the compressor?

 

Thanks,

geo

 

P.S. I also posted a part request in the marketplace forum...