[MrFixr55]

Hi Griff,

First off, if you have a dead 89, I will pray for you, mine needed an exorcism!
Second, is that doggie a Weimaraner?

If the RF coil is open, touching the autodyne 1st detector (36) grid cap should get stations. Touching the 75 2nd detector / 1st AF should cause a hum. What bothers me here is that touching a long wire or your finger to the grid cap on the Osc Mixer (1st Detector) should give you stations, especially if you have strong local stations.

Experts, please jump in here in case I get this wrong. Are you talking about the RF transformer that goes between the 44 RF Amp and the 36 (or 77) 1st Detector (Osc / Mixer?) or are you talking about the "oscillator transformer" (The multi winding coil between the 1st Detector and the IF? If the unit has 2 concentric coil forms, then this is the "Oscillator transformer and 1 and 3 are the "tickler" coil, wound over the secondary on the outer form. If this is the RF transformer, then 1 and 3 may be the Primary, also wound over the secondary. Trace the wires. These outer windings are absolutely notorious for opening due to reaction between the coil and the cellulose insulator that it is wound over. There are discussions in the Philco Library about winding these coils. If the 1st Detector Oscillator coil is good, Ron Ramirez and others have written great articles regarding other causes and mods, including changing the cathode resistor to a lower value and the effect of moisture on the tuning cap, padder cap and the coil.