Abstract: A hermetic refrigerant compressor includes an electric motor mounted within a sealed housing with a crankshaft extending vertically from the motor to connect with a plurality of radially disposed compressor pistons. The lower end portion of the crankshaft extends into a sump of lubricant collected in the lower end of the housing and first and second stage pumping means are formed in the lower end of the housing to pump lubricant to upper and lower bearings which support the crankshaft within the housing. A vent communicates with the inlet to the first stage pumping means for venting flashed refrigerant gases from the system before the lubricant enters the first stage pumping means. In addition, a filter may be provided for continuously cleaning some of the lubricant discharged from the first stage pumping means without interfering with the flow of lubricant from the first stage pumping means to the second stage pumping means.