If your compressor went out, then it suffered the black death. Thats where it blows chunks and particles of plastic out into the condensor and on into the liquid line. If you didn't have an inline filter installed beforehand, then the crud will get stuck in the condenser and hopefully get trapped by the screen at the Otube.
The remedy for that is usually a complete system flush, replacing the compressor, the liquid line, and the condenser. The reason for the condenser is that inside it splits into more than one path. They can't flush it and be sure its free of obstructions, so they usually replace it.
Once you open the system up, humid outside air will reach the accumulator rendering it almost useless. Thats why they replace it with a new sealed one.
You can take shortcuts such as reusing the accumulator (if you're careful to cap it off quickly) and the condenser. But if you aren't certain the condenser's clear, you may have poor cooling.
Most of the compressor manufacturers will require a liquid line, accumulator, and condenser to give you a warranty. You also need new oil, and Orings should be replaced while you're at it.
Once you have all the repair done, then it needs to be vacuumed out for 45 minutes and then charged with refrigerant.
Unfortunately, there's not a cheap solution if you want it to work well and last. Usually a poor job will get you a year's worth of cooling before the compressor goes out again.
Here's a couple of links to A/C sites which can explain it all:
http://www.ackits.com/
http://www.aircondition.com/wwwboard/
Good luck.