Reading Spark Plugs

[JoeG51]

I was winterizing my Johnson 40 hp, and when I pulled the plugs to fog the cylinders, there was rust on the electrodes and base of plugs. The motor was last run two weeks ago and was fine. Should I be concerned of the head gasket or should I run a compression check first?

[Joe Reeves]

Possibly rust was caused by condensation due to the weather change depending on where you're located. However,taking a compression check and making a note of the readings and date is always a good idea.