would an exhaust leak cause.........
 

Ruff idel? I have read in a few other threads (so that means i searched) that an exhaust leak could cause a ruff idel. Well I have a HUGE leak. The manifold wasnt bolted down all the way and the 2 bolts that holds the rest of the exhaust to the mani broke so its open after the manifold.

get that fixed. it wont fix your idle 100% but it will fix it 25%

AFAIK exhaust leak should not interfere with idle.