I believe I've read about folks using a lawn mower for the first cut. I don't know if they lowered the deck or had to remove the leaf catcher, sorry can't remember the details.
If it can't be smoked .... try frying it. It that don't work, it's probably best just left alone
don't use car exhaust.....
you don't know what is in the exhaust vapors. if the car (older car) is burning rich could be some flammables???
newer car burns too clean???
best thing is to use your bottle of ARCO2 mix. you know whats in there...