A scroll compressor has lubricant flow which communicates lubricant onto a motor protector when adverse conditions are present causing the motor protector to trip the motor and stop further rotation. The lubricant is returned to an oil sump through a normal return path. The normal return path outlet may be positioned above the motor protector such that lubricant will contact the motor protector when adverse conditions are present, or the outlet may be remote from the protector. When the outlet is remote from the protector, a funnel and tubing divert the oil to the motor protector under adverse conditions. Alternatively, a passage communicating with the normal return path is selectively blocked when an adverse condition is present. At that time, lubricant is forced into an alternative oil path, which is positioned above the motor protector.