rough idle from an exhaust leak??

[elgineddie]

Howdy people,

My header gaskets are starting to leak and make the tell-tale ticking sound. I verified this by hovering my hand around the suspected areas and actually feeling the puffs of air squeezing out.

 

My question is around a rough idle I can't seem to trace. Could an exhaust leak contribute to a rough idle?

 

Many thanks!

Ed

[Howard Quick]

I have the same problem!

I can hear the ticking but cannot find the leak....but I know it's there

I have noticed my idle is a little 'unsteady'. I had a car once that had loose header bolts and I always knew when the bolts had come too loose as the idle would turn to crap!

[Butch 02 Denali]

Yup!!! Leaks in the exhaust screw up the 02 sensors!

[elgineddie]

Great! Looks like I have some work ahead of me.

 

I have a vacation coming in 2 weeks where we're driving 8hrs each way. I really need/want to fix this. The big pain in my rear is the headers are flaking and I wanted to remove them to send back for re-coating. I guess I'll have to remove them twice! Geez!

 

If after I fix my exhaust leak(s) the idle doesn't improve, I'll be installing new intake manifold gaskets. I've literally tried everything to correct it (cleaning the TB, checking every sensor, tweaking the fuel press reg, plug, wires, new injectors from Westers Garage, etc.) and have resigned to the fact that it's gotta be the IM gaskets. HEY, what's another $20 part and 3 hours in the garage?

 

Thanks for the input!

Ed