What condition is indicated by a broken reed valve in a compressor?

A broken reed valve in a compressor results in a condition characterized by high suction pressure and low discharge pressure. This occurs because a damaged reed valve fails to seal properly during the compression cycle. Instead of allowing the refrigerant to build pressure and discharge effectively, some of it may escape back into the suction side of the compressor.

When the suction side of the compressor experiences high pressure, it indicates that the refrigerant is not being adequately moved through the system, leading to a backup in the evaporator or the ability of the system to pull refrigerant vapor effectively. The inability to achieve sufficient discharge pressure is due to the loss of refrigerant being compressed effectively, hence resulting in low discharge pressure.

Other conditions bring about different symptoms that do not align with a broken reed valve's effects on the system, making this answer particularly accurate given the mechanical failure described.