Catalytic converter stolen, and some other part?

[scorpion]

Hi all,

I got a rented a carto go to Chicago couple of weeks ago and I left my 98 on their parking lot. When I came back, the car started making a lot of noise and the antifreeze reservoir was empty.

I found that someone stole my catalytic converter, so I took it to the shop to get a new one, I had to buy oxygen sensors+ converter+ labor =$350!!

Damn, now I want to see if I can fix the antifreeze licking problem myself:
It doesn't licks all the time, but sometimes it just drains like crazy! I'm sure they stole some part of the cooling system that is close to the converter (underneath), any ideas? Could it be the thermostat? I'm not good at cars, but I'm out of money for the mechanic.
Thank you all

 

[melsg5]

fill the cooling system, let the car fully warm up and look for the leak. A thermostat doesnt cause a leak.

 

[Xenatherottie]

Have you tried to look it up in a Haynes Manual? They have them at an Auto Zone or something like that.

 

[Rev. Curt Clark]

Here is some advise

Hi all,

I got a rented a carto go to Chicago couple of weeks ago and I left my 98 on their parking lot. When I came back, the car started making a lot of noise and the antifreeze reservoir was empty.

I found that someone stole my catalytic converter, so I took it to the shop to get a new one, I had to buy oxygen sensors+ converter+ labor =$350!!

Damn, now I want to see if I can fix the antifreeze licking problem myself:
It doesn't licks all the time, but sometimes it just drains like crazy! I'm sure they stole some part of the cooling system that is close to the converter (underneath), any ideas? Could it be the thermostat? I'm not good at cars, but I'm out of money for the mechanic.
Thank you all

Ok, my profession is hauling scrap metal. Yes, I'm a scraper. Now this is for all the forum to see. Cat Converters are worth alot of money. Here in MI, some Cat Converters are worth as much as 1500.00! So my advice to everyone, DO NOT leave your vehicle un guarded ANYWHERE! If you have to, Check out the security of the lot BEFORE you do. The contents of Cat Converters are considered "precious metal". There fore are in hot demand and are stolen off vehicles more then the vehicle being stolen. Just my 2 cents. As for cooling system under the car, not likely. he only fluid from the cooling system under the car should be the condensation water from your AC unit.