Overload protector problem

[calderp]

I recently aquired a non-functional keggerator and have been trying to get it working. As far as I can tell the overload protector is definately blown and the compressor may have problems. Overload protector gives me no continuity and the compressor gives me between 3-10 ohms resistance, depending on which order I touch one probe to two connections and the other to the third. My question is this: can I test the unit without spending $20 on a new overload protector? Is the OP just a fail-safe which would be safe to bypass just to turn it on and see if it works or is there some sort of resistor in there which is essential to not frying everything (the circuit diagram seems to show a resistor)? If the problem is also with the compressor then I'll have to get a new (ie. cheap, secondhand) fridge as I can't afford to replace it. Also, is the overload protector something I could jury-rig with a simple fuse?
Thanks for any input.
-Paul