overheating and exhaust

Quick question about engine temp and exhaust leaks.

I'm thinking I may have a gasket leak on my longtubes by the head. I have been running on the hot side lately...and after leaving the engine going for about 10 to 15 minutes I am running right past the "L" on N O R M A L. Whenever I put my face around the back of the engine (looking for an annoying oil leak) I almost couldn't stand to stay for more than a minute before I was sweating bullets.


So..What I was wondering is...Is if possible that an exhaust leak can cause the engine to run that much hotter? I'm going to go out and check tomorrow and see if I can find a leak.

Thanks

Clay

Oh yeah, that oil leak I was talking about.....I'm thinking it's coming from my lower intake in the rear or the engine. It's dripping on my headers and making all kinds of smoke. I cleaned the engine up a bit and am going to try and trace where the oil is coming from.

yeah, that's what it looks like to me...I'll change that out on my next day off.

I'm thinking my overheating problem is coming from my radiator...I noticed a nice bit of the fins were bent. This gives me a good reason to buy my 2 core fluidyne i've been saving up for.

I'll post the results up once I get the gasket changed out.

Thanks for the advice

Clay