Hello, I have a 1991 accord with the 2.2L and auto trans. The car starts and idles fine until it has a load on it like if I rev it up or if the A/C is on or when its in gear then it chugs as if its only running on 2 of the 4 cylinders. Ive checked the plugs, wires, cap, rotor andair filter which all have about 5k miles on them and still look new.I'm at a loss, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

 

A blocked catalytic converter can cause these symptoms. See following link to check w/ a vacuum gauge. You could also disconnect the exhaust pipe from the exhaust manifold and see if power is better.

http://www.troublecodes.net/articles/vacuum.shtml

I once had this on a Chevy Impala when leaded gas was being phased out. Car was accidentally run on leaded gas. It would start and appear to run OK, but wouldn't pull the hat off your head. New converter fixed the problem.

good luck

 

I unbolted the catalytic converter from the manifold and still the same problem. Anything else that it could be? Thanks again.

 

chk the timing as well

 

Is the engine missing (vibration, back-firing, bucking, etc) when it will not respond to load or simply no power w/ engine running OK?

Missing can be fuel or air, but more likely would be a spark issue. You've checked most parts. I would check the base timing (15 BTDC) and be sure that is set correctly.

Has Check Engine Light been on at any time?

If engine runs OK, but has no power I would check for intake air leaks. Spray throttle body cleaner on idling engine all around throttle body, intake manifold, injectors, etcand listen for a change in idle speed. If idle increases, there is a leak nearby. A large intake leak might cause excessive leaning as you try to accelerate leading to loss of power.

Honda manual has a drivability symptoms/diagnostic chart. I would suggest downloading the 91 Accord manual from hondahookup.com. Some possibilties are defective injector, throttle angle sensor, manifold pressure sensor. Last two should set the CEL, so if no CEL, they are unlikely. Fuel supply problems are a possibility. You may want to consider a fuel pressure check.

good luck