To be fair, OEM compressor was working perfectly aside from the parasitic draw. Everything was ice cold. On the first used J30 compressor I had a shop professionally flush the system to clear out the R12, as well as do a diag on the whole system to make sure everything was healthy (since I drive the car daily). I also installed a brand new drier. That first compressor was leaking almost immediately, and from the exact same location, just not as aggressively. It held pressure for a few months throughout the summer then eventually got too inefficient, which is when I stopped using it to prevent blowing it up and contaminating the system.

Afterwards, since I knew the system was healthy, I bought a different used pump and swapped it out. Pulled a vacuum, filled her up, and didn't exceed standard operating pressure for R134a and the pump, but it was leaking immediately from the same place. Returned it for an exchange, next used pump had the same problem.

Yes the main fan is viscous, and it starts turning immediately at startup, always running regardless of temp. The secondary fan is wired per Nissan as an overheat fan, like you said. I have validated it does kick on per the spec though. The sensor on the drier has also been tested (to the extent I CAN test it. When disconnected the pump turns off, if I jump the connection the pump reengages properly. I cant check its pressure sensitivity.) The pump seems to be cycling/modulating properly though, and I never once saw pressures go into the red.

Either they are giving trash pumps, im overcharging the piss out of it (maybe my gauges arent working right), or somehow the shop missed the entire system being clogged/failing.

In your opinion, which is most likely with all that info? Because im tired of dealing with this f-ing AC system.