What is the most likely cause of sweating on the liquid line after a compressor replacement?

Sweating on the liquid line after a compressor replacement is most commonly indicative of moisture or a refrigerant issue within the system. In this scenario, when a compressor burns out, it can release debris and contaminants into the refrigeration system. This debris can clog the filter drier, which is designed to remove moisture and particulates from the refrigerant. When the filter drier is obstructed, it can inhibit proper refrigerant flow, leading to a decrease in pressure in the liquid line. This pressure drop can cause the refrigerant to cool excessively, resulting in condensation (or "sweating") on the liquid line.

In this case, recognizing the importance of the filter drier is crucial, as it plays a vital role in maintaining system efficiency and preventing moisture-related issues that can harm the compressor and overall system performance. The other options, while they can lead to sweating in different scenarios, do not directly connect the mechanical failure of a compressor replacement to immediate sweating observed on the liquid line caused by debris blockage.