Here is my situation: I have a 2001 Z24 cavalier with a 2.2/auto ecotec swap, I have a brand new a/c compressor, drier, orifice tube, new a/c hose assembly. I pull the system into a vacuum down to 29" hg and it holds after an hour. Upon charging the system I start the car and turn the a/c on and let the compressor cycle, right as soon as I turn it on the 10 amp a/c fuse blows. I have checked all the wiring and it's all good, I pulled the diode off the wires to see if that was causing it and it's still blowing the fuse. I can disconnect the connector at the compressor, turn the a/c on, and it will not blow the fuse but as soon as I plug the compressor back in the fuse blows. My instinct tells me the windings in the compressor clutch are bad but this is the 2nd compressor i've tried and it's doing the same thing. Anyone have any ideas?
you said you checked the wiring but did you actually pull the sheathing off the whole harness the goes under teh radiator and actually check for issues. Ive found problems there a few timese due to its locations.