EGR failure

95 Metro, 1.0L

I was reading that the a failed EGR can cause the #3 cylinder valve (not sure which one to burn/mushroom).
If the EGR is completely plugged up, then there is no flow of hot gas back to the intake. Right? That should be OK and not burn the valve?

Can I assume it's only a problem if the EGR fails open?

In any case, on my car, it's completely cloggged up. I removed the EGR components and confirmed proper operation (of each component), but there is no flow from the exhaust. I tried to clean the opening leading to the exhaust but I was not able to do it properly. I think it's full of carbon. I need a stiff piece of wire to push the crap out of the way. I'm nervous I could damage something. Is there atool for this?

Any comments?

you have to remove manifolds and use a wire or screwdriver to clean out passagem it goes from exhaust manifold to intake straight though but the manifolds have bends so can't really clean it out good with them on. might be able to pull just 1 but make sure the junk doesn't get sucked into intake

Thanks for the info.

Did anyone try to clean the EGR using a wire brush and using a drill?
What about blowing compress air into the port?
Removing the exhaust will cost me a few hundreds...

350$ buys you a spanking low mileage JDM engine a few hundreds for intake removal is nothing short of a rippoff, even you can do it in a few hours if mechanics is not your calling.

Anybody have any idea whether a rusted out muffler can cause an EGR code?

I've replaced my EGR valve, replaced the EGR regulator, cleaned out the intake passages, and after I got it all back together, I still get the Check Engine light.

My next best guess is that because I can see completely through the muffler from the bottom, that could be screwing with the backpressure, and throwing the code for EGR.

By the way, I too have a 95 1.0L Manual