Six Weeks of Troubleshooting...I think I found it!

[Penthode]

You need first to make sure before adjusting the traps is ensure the IF adjustments are roughly correct. I would suggest first assessing the state of the VIF stages as I believe you may have inadvertently adjusted two stages to the same frequency which may indyuce oscillation.

When adjusting the traps, you may have to increase the input signal and/or reduce the bias to get a clear indication on the VTVM. With this alignment you have to check, recheck and check again that you have not adjusted something to an odd spurious peak or null. You have to moderate the IF amplifier gain and input signal to it to ensure the amplifier is linearly amplifying. That is not too high and not too low. The signal output level of the amplifier at the 2nd detector is important to constantly monitor and reference.

I have continued on about this because earlier (aside from the equipment deficiencies) this issue I believe caused you no end of grief earlier. The RCA Alignment instructions are only a guide. You must understand what you are doing and stop if you have any question.

Again, before adjusting the traps, you must ensure the IF amplifier is roughly correct and that no oscillation ensues when you reduce the control bias.