[old_tv_nut]

This should work, as the delay line and L13 are essentially a DC short. Don't bother trying to replace L13, it's purpose is to improve the transient response of the delay line, which you are bypassing anyway.

The dangerous part is connecting to V4 pin 3 carefully so as not to short to adjacent pins.

If the cover is not soldered in place, I would try doing this with the cover removed first, see what you get, then decide if you really need to do this with the cover in place.

Did you try the fine tuning yet to see if the transients move or are stationary? If they move, then you know it's an IF alignment issue and not the delay line.