I'd take the bearings out, if you haven't already. But the antifreeze in the crockpot method is much easier, and less potentially harmful to the parts. I've done 50+ year old engines, and they come out looking almost new! Just a little scrubbing w/ an old tooth brush to remove the loosened crud after soaking over-night in hot antifreeze. Not boiling, but just to the point where there is the slightest bit of steam rising off the surface. It's best if you do it in a garage or shed, or where the smell won't bother anyone...You can get a cheap "slow cooker" at wallyworld for 10-15 bucks, and devote it to just cleaning engines.
One thing tho...If you show your buddies how neat and clean your engines look, they'll be wanting you to do theirs! I charge a few bucks to do it now