There is definitely not an electric valve. It would have to be mechanical. If it's no easier than replacing the compressor, then I'll replace the compressor. Maybe, after I get this one out, I'll take a look and see if I can replace the valve with it on the bench. If I can get a valve in it and make it work again, it will be ready to go for when the Amazon compressor fails.

I'll keep the pressure sensor trick in mind. That makes sense as to why the fan isn't coming on - the compressor isn't building enough pressure to tell it to.

Vacuum, refrigerant recovery, etc... that's no problem. Been doing that for more than 30 years.

Thanks for the help!