Catalytic Converter Theft

[Tex929rr]

We had to make a trip to my mother in law’s house in KY for a memorial service. We had to bring back a piece of furniture, so we took my truck, a 99 F250 with a V10. As usual, it made the trip without a hitch, We got to the hotel in a big snow storm and parked out front 20 feet from the front door. I got up in the morning, turned the key and was shocked. It ran fine but sounded like straight pipes. Sure enough, someone cut the converter out. It doesn’t have any sensors at the cat or downstream, so a local shop put in a pipe straight to the muffler. The surprise - it sounds like stock and got about 20 percent better mileage (it’s just over 1000 miles). 6 more tanks of fuel and the repair will be paid for and then I’ll be saving money.

 

[crystalphoto]

I hate a thief. Glad they didn't butcher anything in the process...

 

[Tex929rr]

I hate a thief. Glad they didn't butcher anything in the process...

I carry a decent set of tools but they cut too close to the fittings for me to do it myself. The local shop was great and didn’t charge me much and did it in an hour,

 

[candcallen]

A car in the parking lot of the wifes store had one cut off in 15 min yesterday.

 

[msharley]

I propose a new "holiday".

12ga ENEMA fer thieves....

 

[msharley]

We had to make a trip to my mother in law’s house in KY for a memorial service. We had to bring back a piece of furniture, so we took my truck, a 99 F250 with a V10. As usual, it made the trip without a hitch, We got to the hotel in a big snow storm and parked out front 20 feet from the front door. I got up in the morning, turned the key and was shocked. It ran fine but sounded like straight pipes. Sure enough, someone cut the converter out. It doesn’t have any sensors at the cat or downstream, so a local shop put in a pipe straight to the muffler. The surprise - it sounds like stock and got about 20 percent better mileage (it’s just over 1000 miles). 6 more tanks of fuel and the repair will be paid for and then I’ll be saving money.

Hey 929,

Sux about getting ripped....

Clogged cats are gas hogs...burn way more gas...

Hope you live in a place that does not require them for inspections or such...

Later, Mark

 

[Grumps21]

I might be wrong on this, but I think newer cars don’t use platinum like the older ones do. Can any mechanics out there verify this? In 2010 or so, the cat on my 2001 accord went bad. Replacement from Summit Racing was something like $90 or around that and it was some sort of ceramic. Sold the old one online for $130, and they even sent me a shipping label.

 

[HKSig]

The surprise - it sounds like stock and got about 20 percent better mileage (it’s just over 1000 miles). 6 more tanks of fuel and the repair will be paid for and then I’ll be saving money.

I wonder if it will pass inspection. Since it has(?) OBD II, they may not even look underneath.

 

[Tex929rr]

I wonder if it will pass inspection. Since it has(?) OBD II, they may not even look underneath.

No emissions inspection here so I think I’m OK. The muffler shop guy said he thought it was worth 500-600 to the thieves. 23 years old I can hardly believe it’s with that much.

 

[pronstar]

No sensors…no problem


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[Renegade]

rif

 

[Renegade]

dt

 

[Colonel]

dt

MAGA

 

[TheDan]

Where are the thieves selling them? All the recycling places require you to show proof of the vehicle ownership now.

 

[lonestardiver]

Where are the thieves selling them? All the recycling places require you to show proof of the vehicle ownership now.

To people that need to replace one but can’t afford full retail price.

Few years back they hit all the Honda Elements in the parking pot at work…lots of ground clearance so it was easy. My coworker had his entire exhaust system replaced by insurance 3 times due to that.

 

[V-Tach]

It's palladium in the catalytic converter and today it was $2613.00 an ounce..........

 

[Charlie]

rif

bs

 

[pronstar]

Where are the thieves selling them? All the recycling places require you to show proof of the vehicle ownership now.

They typically sell them to a fence, who will then shop them to trusted repair shops and dismantlers.

It’s nearly always big-selling vehicles that get hit by thieves.


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[candcallen]

They "deserve" the karma of a slow death under a car that falls on them.

I catch them actually stealing mine I will ensure I stomp them into sterility. Then get them medical attention. More than they deserve.

 

[TipBledsoe]

What about those of us who have sensors - Is there any way for us to chuck the CC?

Maybe someone sells "special sensors" that trick the ECU?

Or maybe its as simple as connecting a resistor where the sensor would connect?