Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): johnson 115 hp outboard 4 cylinder, good luck spring, johnson 115

Question
the engine ignition system is not sparking in the spark plugs but when the spark plugs gets close to the engine block it sends a spark to the enigine block. is it that the spark plugs are bad or what? and some times the spark plugs actually fire right. the engine has been sitting for a couple of years and has not ran.

Answer
JIM, I WOULD TRY A NEW PLUG AND SEE.  THE PLUGS HAVE TO BE GROUNDED TO THE BLOCK TO GET A GOOD SPARK.  I THINK YOU ARE OKAY, JUST TRY A SET OF NEW PLUGS AND SOME GOOD FUEL.  THE CARBS ARE DEFINITELY GOING TO NEED DISASSEMBLY AND CLEANING.

GOOD LUCK....SPRING IS COMING.
GEORGE