Peter wrote:

Realign the VCO using a DMM, rather than a frequency counter.
Use the frequency counter when aligning the crystal oscillators.

As it had clearly been got at, I would take the time to check the frequency of each
crystal oscillator and the carrier balance. Depending on which version of Cobra
148GTL you have, there could be a few crystals. Even more important, check the
output and drive bias settings. If these are not set correctly, the transistors
may not last long.

Peter,

Thanks for the suggestions. Your advice is more constructive than
some of the previous posts, some of which are little more than ad
hominem techno-babble.

Actually, I used my oscilloscope and volt meter, as well as a
frequency counter, to realign the VCO and other components. (In the
interest of brevity, I didn't mention this or other details of the
repair in my previous posts.) Also, I poked around the final output
amp and modulation circuit, and found nothing notable, although I did
elect to reduce the carrier level a bit.

-Dave, K3WQ