[Penthode]

Don't try to listen to the tone. It is AM. The sound discriminator is for FM.

Is the VTVM set to AC? Is the bias pot set correctly? Is the video IF, video detector and video amplifier working properly? Is the VTVM attached properly? You need to systematically go through things.

When setting up to adjust the traps, slightly mis tune the generator. Look for a deflection on the VTVM that goes up and down when the generator output level is adjust up and down. And the deflection must increase as you increase the RF level. I suspect you are going to have to increase the RF level to see a deflection. Again do not adjust things until you see the needle deflect with signal.

Also make sure you are not overloading. Overloading is as bad as no signal: it will distort your results.

Once you see the needle deflecting with signal, then fine tune to the trap frequency. Adjust the RF level until you see just enough to adjust the trap for a dip.