EUREKA!!!
Everything improved the first time i unplugged it. The volume ramped up and faded when i pulled the plug..... This radio HATES to be hooked up to a back up power supply...
I had a battery backup supply on the bench i was charging in case of power loss.. I was utilizing the extra outlets on it.. Once i plugged the radio into the wall, everything improved..
The AM got stronger and so did the short wave.. and i ACTUALLY heard the time service broadcast in the MW. All of this from the steel whip setup..
I will try the wire antenna as soon as it stops raining.
Thanks all for the wonderfull help and links.
Steve