Distributor cap shorting out

[rtstrack]

I have a tri powered 428 with an oval air cleaner. The air cleaner is sandwiched between two metal plates. The bottom plate sits directly on top of, and touches the metal carbs. The bottom plate also extends out over the top of the distributor cap. The bottom plate touches the middle distributor boot, the one that connects the distributor to the coil. What I noticed is that when the metal plate and air cleaner are set in place, the engine won't fire up. It turns over and gets gas, but wont fire. I take OFF the plate and it fires up immediately. I started the engine without the plate on, and tried setting the plate back on top of the carbs. Two things happened, the engine shut off immediately, and I got a major shock. So apparently their is an electric current that is being conducted by the boot and the metal plate. I guess I need to first try replacing the boot, but is this normal wear for a boot? Or is there a bigger problem and even after I replace the boot I'll still have the same problem? Should I try putting some type of resistant material in between the two? What in the heck is going on?

Ryan