One thing we've all forgotten so far is to clock the rings. The gap in the top ring goes on the exhaust valve side of the piston (you'll have two pistons one way and two the other). The middle ring gap goes 120 degrees from that. The bottom ring goes 120 degrees from the second ring. It's not at all critical, just get them roughly in those positions.

My parts cleaning method:

1) Wash part thoroughly in solvent and get the surface dirt off. A parts cleaner is great if you have one.

2) Soak in a can of carb cleaner, like Berryman's, for at least half a day. This is noxious, nasty stuff -- read the warning label.

3) Wash in hot, soapy water. I like to use a citrus-based dish soap. Scrub with a toothbrush, Q-tips, or whatever it takes to get down in all the crevices.

4) Rinse in non-soapy water.

5) Dry with a shop rag.

6) Inspect carefully. If anything isn't bare metal, go back to step 2 and repeat as necessary.

7) Spray on a little very light oil, wrap big parts in newspaper, bag small parts in zip-lock bags until ready for use.

It really does make a difference.