Hesitation when accelerating

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You have two different things happening here. First, the AC compressor cycles on and off and when on, it puts a load on the engine. If the belt isn't properly tightened, it will squeal. I think that is what you are hearing.

The AC compressor has its own belt. Here are the directions for seeing if it is tight enough. Also, inspect it for cracks, wear and so on. If you find it is loose, the directions for tightening it are toward the bottom of the tension test. The attached pictures correlate with the directions,

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Deflection Method

pic 1

1. Apply a force of 98 N (10 kg, 22 lb), and measure the deflection between the A/C compressor and the crankshaft pulley.

A/C Compressor Belt
Used Belt:B16A2 engine
6.0 - 9.5 mm (0.24 - 0.37 in)
Except B16A2 engine
7.5 - 9.5 mm (0.30 - 0.37 in)
New Belt: B16A2 engine
4.5 - 6.5 mm (0.18 - 0.26 in)
Except B16A2 engine
5.0 - 6.5 mm (0.20 - 0.26 in)

Note these items when adjusting belt tension:
- If there are cracks or any damage evident on the belt, replace it with a new one.
- "Used belt" means a belt which has been used for five minutes or more.
- "New belt" means a belt which has been used for less than five minutes.

2. Loosen, the center nut of the idler pulley (SANDEN), or the pivot bolt of the idler pulley bracket and the lock nut of the adjusting bolt (DENSO).
3. Turn the adjusting bolt to get proper belt tension.
4. Retighten the center nut of the idler pulley (SANDEN), or the pivot bolt of the idler pulley bracket and the lock nut of the adjusting bolt (DENSO).
5. Recheck the deflection of the A/C compressor belt.

Tension Gauge Method

pic 2

1. Attach the special tool to the A/C compressor belt as shown below, and measure the tension of the belt.

A/C Compressor Belt
Used Belt:B16A2 engine
390 - 540 N (40 - 55 kg, 88 - 120 lb)
Except B16A2 engine
340 - 490 N (35 - 50 kg, 77 - 110 lb)
New Belt: B16A2 engine
740 - 880 N (75 - 90 kg, 170 - 200 lb)
Except B16A2 engine
690 - 830 N (70 - 85 kg, 150 - 190 lb)

Note these items when adjusting belt tension:
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the belt tension gauge.
- If there are cracks or any damage evident on the belt, replace it with a new one.
- "Used belt" means a belt which has been used for five minutes or more.
- "New belt" means a belt which has been used for less than five minutes.

2. Loosen the center nut of the idler pulley (SANDEN), or the pivot bolt of the idler pulley bracket and the lock nut of the adjusting bolt (DENSO).
3. Turn the adjusting bolt to get proper belt tension.
4. Retighten the center nut of the idler pulley (SANDEN), or the pivot bolt of the idler pulley bracket and the lock nut of the adjusting bolt (DENSO).
5. Recheck the tension of the A/C compressor belt.

Here is a link of belt routing for your vehicle.

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/honda/civic/1998

In the last picture, I circled where adjustment is made for the AC belt. Loosen the mounting bolts (through bolt and adjustment lock nut) and simply tighten the adjusting bolt to achieve the tension needed.

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Next, if you hear the catalytic converter moving or rattling internally, chances are it is blocking the exhaust and causing the low power you mentioned. The easiest thing to do is simply take a rubber mallet and tap on the exhaust system to see if that is where the sound is coming from. Also, you can remove the o2 sensors allowing a new release of exhaust to see if it runs better.

Here are links that explain all about the converter, symptoms, how to check a converter, and in general how to replace one:

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https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/catalytic-converter-replacement

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Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe