RE: engine cleaning
If the engine has congealed fuel residue, then the easiest thing to do is remove the carb and rear cover and submerge the engine in model fuel. This will dissolve the stuff. Once it's cleaned enough to disassemble, then you can use "four-ought" steel wool and soapy water to clean the parts. Make sure you don't leave any shreds of steel wool in the engine when you're done.