ORIGINAL: opjose
I've washed my engines in WATER, soaking them completely to help dislodge dirt etc.
After repeated rinses, I'll flush remaining water out with ( old ) glow fuel and WD40 spray as needed.
Pulling the back plate helps, if you do not wish to remove the cylinder head....
It is important to test the engine to be sure it is clean by LIGHTLY turning the crankshaft after you have it cleaned and dried.
If you even BEGIN to feel any grittiness, STOP and clean it again, possibly taking it apart even further, and brushing things out with it wet.
Normally if I've planted an engine, I'll also take the time to remove any baked on deposits with Dawn Power Dissolver too.
If you are careful, it should start right up with the factory settings.
I've burried an engine pretty deep several times (same engine). I've always used the above method. The WD-40 will rid the engine of water and help lube the inside. I am also a big fan of the Antifreeze and crockpot method to get burt on oil to let loose.