Chrysler Repair: 1992 Dogde Caravan, dogde caravan, power losses

Question

Driving along (after the van is warmed up)then I try to accelerate it seems to lose power almost like a stall but the engine continues to run.

This is an intemittent problem.  I had a mechanic look at it and they ruled out the fuel pump although they replaced the filter.  That did not solve the problem.  They then suggested it may be the catalytic converter because its not in good shape, and it may cause power losses.

Thoughts, comments?

Answer
Hi Tarry,
It is correct that loss of power at mid-range rpm's can be caused by a blocking up of of the honeycomb insert of the catalytic converter. It is something that can be diagnosed by an exhaust system shop (though they of course have a vested interest in that outcome). So I would inquire as to how they would test it, and what kind of data they could show you to verify that the catalytic converter is indeed a significant contributor to your problem.
The other thing to do is check the engine controller memory for the presence of fault codes. Just take the ignition key: turn it "on-off-on-off-on" and leave it on, within an elapsed time of 5 seconds. Then observe the check engine light which stays on to begin to flash, pause, flash, pause, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause, and after you accurately record the counts group them in pairs in the order that they came out. You can repeat the key switching to verify the accuracy of your counts. The last two sets of pulses will number 5 in each, forming the number 55 which is the code for 'end of readout'. Then write back with the other code numbers which may help to explain your loss of power.
Roland