Since I have suggested the use of a heat gun several times on SH, WAY TO GO! After some bench runs, it'll be ok and start any way you prefer. Can't say how many, but "some"!
Don't run it too rich! Doing that will knock the rod bearings out, or even break the rod. You need to run it lean enough and hot enough to expand the cylinder, loosening the piston fit. A rich 2 cycle is perfect. A "comforter" around the head will help on some engines, but only those that have the head protrude down into the cylinder...and a snug slip fit, NOT a sloppy fit. Newer designs tend to not have that feature (ST G.51, Magnum XLS/ASP), which I think is bad, but they do work.
What engine are you referring to?
Steve