Scroll compressor with hot oil temperature responsive relief of back pressure chamber

A scroll compressor includes a protection device that has a valve movable between a position blocking flow from the back pressure chamber into the suction chamber, and a position allowing such flow. The valve is movable dependent on an oil temperature. Under adverse conditions, the oil will reach higher temperatures and the valve will open allowing flow of refrigerant from the back pressure chamber into the suction chamber. This refrigerant will likely be at an elevated temperature, and will assist the heated oil in moving a motor protection switch associated with the motor to shut down the motor. Moreover, by relieving the back pressure chamber, the two scroll members are allowed to move out of contact with each other, thereby reducing potential damage due to the adverse conditions.