Sounds like you need a new tensioner. I your chain jumps, it will cost many times the cost of a new tensioner.

I was lucky, Mine was stuck and not putting any tension on the chain and I caught it (while adjusting the valves) before a cross country trip. Could you see the chain jumping in the middle of the desert?

Fastlane has new tensioners at reasonable prices. I paid over $100 before I learned of thes site and Fastlane.

P E H