De-Pickling the Model A Engine

[34Pietenpol]

I recently picked up a Woody with the engine "pickled" by the owner by removing the spark plugs and pouring oil on top of the pistons until it filled the bore.

I now need to wash the gummy oil residue out of the upper cylinders so I can run the engine. It was reportedly overhauled and run around 5 years ago, pickled 3 years ago. I want to run it first to se if it's a good engine, so am trying to avoid tearing into the engine just now.

Any advice on how best to wash the upper cylinders? I will try to suck out the oil I can first, then thought to pour gas into the plug holes, washing it past the rings, into the oil pan and out the oil drain hole. Then re-oiling the crankcase and giving it a try.

Any one been thru this before with help? Many thanks!