[Johnson] Reality Check please!

[Dick]

I don't think I'm in Kansas anymore.  While I've never claimed to be an 
expert technician or troubleshooter I have a modicum of experience in 
electronics (45 years as a ham)  but have a problem that has me 
bewildered.  Here's the situation:

Rig is an Invader 2000.  I am trying to align the VFO.  According to the 
manual I am supposed to couple a  "detector" capable of covernng  3550 
to 4050 kc (khz) to pin 1 of V8 (the second mixer).  After tuning the 
transmitter to 4050kc I should be able to adjust L8 to "zero beat".  
Well, I can only get it down to about 4600kc before it starts
to go up again.  Additionally, tuning the transmitter down towards 
3550kc,  the frequency actually goes up!  In stead of using a "detector" 
(they actually mean receiver I think) I am using a calibrated frequency 
meter hooked to pin1 of V8.  That shouldn't make any difference, right?  
I have replaced all the caps in the VFO (a real pain) and all the 
resistors for V4 (the VFO tube) all to no avail.  All grounds have been 
resoldered/re-riveted.  All coax in the VFO has been replaced along with 
the VFO tube itself (6AU6).

What am I missing or not seeing?  I'd really like to get this old gal 
back on the air but I am about to really start using this thing as a 
"boat anchor" unless I can find a solution.  All you experts out 
there.....PLEASE HELP!!!! Thanks in advance.

73's
Dick
WA6UBJ