Spark plug cap
 

I apologise for overloading this forum with newbie questions but in my ongoing attempt to fix my bike's starting issues I am trying to replace the spark plug cap on my 1997 XT600. The throat on the existing one is around 10cm from opening to bend and the only similar ones I can find are the NGKs which measure 7cm. This would bring the bend and HT lead in fairly close contact with the cylinder head. Does anyone know if this is likely to lead to them melting or degrading?

Sparkplug gap of 10cm? Again just read the manual, its all there... Gap is 0,8-0,9mm.DPR8EA-9

Ha ha no a gap of 10cm might explain a lot of my problems. I'm talking about the spark plug cap.

doh ok, but why are you changing it, have you measured something wrong? If its broken go to your dealer and buy the original, its not a big difference in cash.

i have a similar situation with a non original cap in my xtz660 motor and its not an issue if the cap or cable touch the head, they are extremely heat resistant. think about it it, the plug itself gets scorching hot...

but just make sure that the cap latches on the plug's thread safely. you should hear a crik-crick-crik sound in the last mm's of pushing it down

The starting issue is unlikely to be the cap. I'd be more suspicious of the carby, lead and coil. When was the last time the carby got a really good clean?

Thanks for the advice. I have stripped and cleaned the carb and the fuel seems to be getting through no problem. So now I'm replacing the coil, lead and plug cap to see if that is the problem. It was just the cap I couldn't find a direct replacement for without paying the 20 euros my dealer (in Portugal) wants for a Yam one. But I've decided to bite the bullet and go for it - at least I know it will be the right one.

I ended up buying NGK racing sealed rubber plug cap and lead for the XT and SRX. Fit in nice and come with a good length of lead. No more cutting out in the rain for us.
Cheers
Min