Abstract: A gas flow system for a hermetic compressor is described which reduces the transfer of heat from the cylinder head and the hot discharge gases along with other hot internal compressor parts, wherein a separately formed suction tube is made from a low thermal conductivity plastic and is adapted to be received in a separately formed cylinder head. The cylinder head includes discharge chambers formed integrally therein but is adapted to receive the suction tube, while the suction tube includes a conduit defining a suction plenum having a suction inlet and adjutages extending transverse to the conduit which extend to the valve plate and communicate with openings in the cylinder head in order that the refrigerant flowing therein bypass the hot cylinder head and flows directly into the cylinder. The gas flow system also provides cooling for the motor in which a part of the refrigerant which flows into the suction tube is directed through the motor.