Originally Posted by
Matariki
The freewheel pawls are hardened steel and can be a bit brittle. Skipping under load is a symptom that the pawls may have developed a bit of chipping on the face that engages with the freewheel body. Hammering into power mode from freewheeling may cause this; however the skipping then re-engaging is likely to do more damage.
Skipping under load is worrisome and potentially dangerous. It always gets worse.
OP again. yeah, i was at a stop light when it skipped and i lurched forward. didnt wipe out but you are right, it was only getting worse. i erred on the side of caution and chucked it. installed a shimano one from western bike works down the street. intrigued by the white industries rebuildable one though. it looked niiiice. $$$ though. how important is chain tension in the grand scheme of things? i dont have tensioners on the drop out but the top of the chain seems taut with no sag.