EXHIBIT 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-57995) pertaining to the Individual Account Retirement Plan For
Bargaining Unit Employees at the Cooper Cameron Corporation Missouri City, Texas
Facility of our report dated June 22, 2000 with respect to the financial
statements of the Individual Account Retirement Plan For Bargaining Unit
Employees at the Cooper Cameron Corporation Missouri City, Texas Facility
included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999.



                                     /S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


June 22, 2000
Houston, Texas