Pace SX-80 heater connector problem

[Phaseseeker]

I have a Pace SX-80 desoldering gun with an open heater wire; taking it apart, turns out the insulation on the (nichrome?) heater wire is crumbling apart allowing the two heater connections to short out and that has melted the connection near the crimp. I can reconnect it but, how can insulate the two wires again? On the part going to the connector, I could just slide on one of those fiberglass sleeves, but (see picture) on the part that's wound around the heater tube I really can't do that. I thought about replacing the whole thing with new insulated nichrome wire but I'd prefer avoiding messing with it... (also, the spare part is available from Pace, but 130€ for a heater seems a bit steep)
Thanks in advance

[tooki]

How much is your time worth? And how much do you care for this piece of fine equipment? I would just spend the 130 euros and get a new heater — you should get the upgraded SX-90-style heater, which will allow you to use the superior SX-90 tips. (Your existing SX-80 tips remain compatible.) The part number stayed the same, so any spare you get now should be the SX-90 style.

Also, make sure the heater connector color matches: I think the SX-80 always has a black connector, but make sure. Early SX-90 also had black, but later SX-90, and the SX-100, use a blue connector. (This is about the color of the internal heater connector, not the DIN connector on the cable.)

Black connector heater: 6010-0107-P1
Blue connector heater: 6010-0163-P1

Also, given the heat damage you have, I would also make sure the heater connector in the handpiece isn’t damaged.