Air Conditioner damage

1997 Cadillac Deville

My AC ruptured something (hose or O-ring) the last time I used it and lost all refrigerant very quickly. Will the system or compressor come to any harm if I don't fix it until next summer? Or should I get it repaired and sealed soon to keep out any moisture or condensation over the winter?

With that large of a hole, you will get condensation in the system pretty quickly. To minimize the expense when you opt to fix it, I'd suggest getting the leak fixed or the hole sealed. I'm not sure what winters are like where you live, but keep in mind that the defroster will enable the A/C when the ambient temp is above freezing-ish to more effectively clear the windshield, even in the winter.

-Rod

Agreed. Finding the leak shouldn't be tough. Take the low side schrader valve out, stick an air gun in it, and trace the lines with a stethescope or some 3/8" fuel hose to your ear. Fix the leak.

Leaving a leak lets moisture in and destroys the desicant and can rust components in the compressor.