2.3L ('83-'97) Need HELP to rewire my distributor on 84 2.3

[pedal2themetal45]

HI,
OK a while back (years) I had a fire under the hood I missed replacing the wires to the distributor.. and today it quit running.. I found that the wires to the distributor the small one was without insulation and the two big wires were completely separated and kind of smooched together ... I can't really see any color on them. The small wire is an easy fix but how do I tell how to reconnect the two bigger wires back to each other. Does is matter are they just power for the magnet?
I did find a distributor 50 miles away and just fixing this one would be best for me.. The plug is messed up as well so I don't think I can unplug it to plug in a new unit..
thanks in advance.
Tim

 

[pedal2themetal45]

Update. UPDATE
HI,
I found a replacement distributor at a salvage yard for $45.oo .. going to have to clean it up and lube it, awful dirty and advance is stuck..
any advice on cleaning up the pick up and stater it looks awful rusty....

 

[franklin2]

Does the one you have use the module on the fender? Duraspark II is what it was called, like the diagram below. They show a TFI for that year also.

 

[franklin2]

Update. UPDATE
HI,
I found a replacement distributor at a salvage yard for $45.oo .. going to have to clean it up and lube it, awful dirty and advance is stuck..
any advice on cleaning up the pick up and stater it looks awful rusty....

To do any meaningful clean-up, you have to put it in a vise, take two large screwdrivers, and get under the little star wheel and gently pry up. Watch out for the little roll pin key, it's going to fall out and you need that.

Then turn the distributor over, take a small punch and push the pin out of the gear. Then carefully pull the gear off. Try not to chip the teeth. You can then pull the shaft and clean it up, lube it, lube the shaft in the shaft, change the pickup in the distributor, etc. Save any shims between the gear and the housing.