so it turns out L9 is the culprit, so im just gonna change around EVERY ceramic around it because hell i already got a bit of time and experimentation invested so yea, 2x 82pf, 2x220pf, and a 27p. i will save this old radio with a history including the label with some old timer's CB call letters on it. so i should have it stable enough to get put back on air as a daily driver. in getting this things diagnosed i was making skip contacts from new england to texas barefoot. its got pretty decent ears too