How can I clean soots on muffler? / EGR problem?

[mineroller]

Problem 1. I have installed MSP exhaust on my sedan around january or so..and right now the inside of exhaust tip is throughly covered with thick soot..looks ugly..

So, what can I use to clean out these godforsaken soot?
I went to Canadian Tire and asked them for a "carbon-cleaner" but they said there isn't such a thing. I looked at several engine/break/joint cleaner products but none seemed right for me..
so how do you clean soot?


Problem 2. I have a CEL regarding bad EGR flow..(computer says "Insufficient EGR Circulation" or something similar) i saw the article here on how to clean EGR and all that but DIY isn't option for me right now. How does this affect driving and performance? Computer says car is driveable, so i drive around with CEL on. My mechanic says i need new EGR valve, which for some reason is only available through mazda dealers.

So, how much is a new EGR thingy and what effects does it have on car if it is bad?


Please help this ignorant fool..

[Rism]

Get bug and tar remover from autozone works great.

[Action Jackson]

Cleaning the EGR valve makes a big difference.

You can get the Canadian Tire Throttle Body cleaner. I couldn't find any carb cleaner either.

[garretts77]

Cleaning the EGR only takes about 30 minutes. It is pretty easy to get to. The only hard part is putting the bolts back in since you can't see the holes, you can only feel for them. But start to finish took about 30 minutes and it was the first time I had done it. I would try that first before replacing it...

[TheJohnny]

use some chrome cleaner to clean the muffler. Simple Green should work as well but Chrome cleaner should help you out nicely.

[Zaurusman]

Carb cleaner and throttle body cleaner are almost if not completely identical; use what you can find, and try to avoid getting too much of it on your skin.