The fiber connector loose in the engine will not hurt it. I have spoken to many mechanics that have said "no big deal" if you accidentally loose it as you take out the compressor. They drop to the oil pan and just stay there. A bigger concern would be to have a compressor fail by lockup and wipe out the gears. Then you get to take your engine apart - No joy!
Gumpy, what actually failed in your setup? Did the compressor lock up and start things, or did the fiber gear break up? You mention that the compressor gear also broke - is that the metal female splined gear on the crankshaft of the compressor?thanks, Brian