I have just recently bought a 1990 accord as daily but for some reason it’s can’t go past 4k. It’s sluggish to get up to speed and just slow. It has a check engine light but I am still figuring out how to ready obd 1. Anyone know what’s going on?
I have the f22a1 the sohc no vtec

 

Whatever is causing the CEL is what has you in limp mode and wont let you rev.

You should use the paperclip OBD1 reader method and see what if any code you get

 

If Nicolas's suggestion does not work, the timing off (belt slipped a tooth) 2nd thought would be low compression, if the head gasket failed between 2 cylinders.

 

I tried the paper clip method but couldn’t get the lights to flash. If I clear the codes by disconnecting the battery the car gets out of limp mode the light shortly returns after a couple hours