Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): no spark, external coil, orange wire

Question
I am trying to fix a Weedeater riding mower with a 12hp B & S engine.
It was left out in the weather for several months, and when I drained the oil, water and some gas came out, too.
I then noticed that a 3-wire connector, that joins the wires feeding the coils in the engine had half-way melted and the wires in the connector very corroded. I crimped new terminals on the wires, but am unsure how to connect them.
The wires coming in to the connector are red(hot), blue(hot) and black(not hot or grounded-strange).
The wires going out are red and orange(they go under the flywheel)and black to the coil at the front of the engine.
Can please tell me what might have caused the connector to get hot and which wires going to the engine are supposed to be hot or grounded? The engine turns over ok, and the windings on the flywheel have continuity and not grounded.
I don't know if the external coil, that connects to the spark plug is good or bad. Is there a test to check it?
Thanks  

Answer
Hi Peter,

The connector may have overheated due to a shorted wire or a bad coil.  If you have no spark I would replace the ignition coil.  I don't know how to test it.  The red and blue wire might come from the battery and keyswitch.  The keyswitch wire may pass through a safety switch.  You will need to do some tracing with a test light or a voltmeter.  The red wire that goes to the ignition coil should supply power to the coil.  The orange wire, I think, is for charging.

Sorry I couldn't be more specific.

Let me know how you make out.
Michael