Jackson Instant Sound

So I found this really neat am/fm radio with afc.  I can't seem to find a model number.  But it says Jackson Instant Sound; Ultra power is written on top of the face.  The FM band has good reception and great volume, but the AM gets nothing.  Just a faint hum all across the dial.  Do I need to install a new ferrite rod antenna?  Or are there other possibilities for the cause of the problem?

I doubt it. Could be a transistor, an I F transformer, a bad resistor, an open filter, or, anything. But, unless it's physically broken, I doubt very much it's the antenna.
Got any pictures of the set??
Not enough info.

I would troubleshoot to figure it out. Not knowing your background or what you have I will start from scratch. Two things will help anyone on radios if you have them. I would get a signal tracer and also a signal generator. Input a signal on the input of the radio. Then just use the tracer to follow how far the signal goes.

To Willy, I'll pick up that equipment on as soon as I can. Any other equip suggestions? I have a soldering iron, screwdriver, and strong desire to learn.

To Bill, The antenna doesn't appear broken, but I'm a severe newbie. I put three pics on photobucket but you'll have to copy/paste the urls. I couldn't figure out how to make them links. Is there a better way to post pictures on here? Thanks for your help.
https://2img.net/h/i42.photobucket.com/albums/e340/JasonAMFM/DSCF1783_zps91fc7747.jpg
https://2img.net/h/i42.photobucket.com/albums/e340/JasonAMFM/DSCF1787_zps09d5b0e2.jpg
https://2img.net/h/i42.photobucket.com/albums/e340/JasonAMFM/DSCF1785_zps634a6f0d.jpg

Never mind the sentence about linking photos. My question was answered the second i posted. 'laughs audibly'

Try giving the band switch a shot of contact cleaner and work it back and forth.

You beat me to that suggestion, Doug!

That shows how much I know. I forgot that.

Contact cleaner's the first thing I'll try. Would I need to go to Radio Shack, or do you think they carry it at Walmart? Do the pics show any possible problems?

Jason, when you are logged onto the site the icons that are above the quick reply window, top row the right hand group of four, move your cursor over the icons.  Select the one that shows host an image.  It can upload an image directly from your picture files.  "browse" will allow you to select the file number of the pic you want.  When you upload it, the utility will automatically resize the picture and display 3 urls.  Pick the center one and copy and paste it to your reply.  It's free and easy to use.

I would try Radio Shack. If they don't have it, and if the band switch has exposed contacts, use some 91% isopropyl alcohol. it cleans tarnished contacts suprisingly well.

Where does it say host an image?? I don't see it.....

I found it, but, it didn't work....

Still won't work.

Bill, I wonder if your computer is blocking the Servimg utilities?

It doesn't act like it is....

Ah, I see. That's a neat trick.

So, what do the pics tell (if anything?)

If cleaning contacts doesn't do it, unplug it if it plugs in to power, and try reheating/reflowing solder joints on the circuit board.
See those little metal cans with slotted screws in them? Do not turn them to see what happens. Not yet anyway.

Will do Ragwire. I tried turning the screws on the tuning capacitor of my 60's pocket Westinghouse thinking I was fine tuning it. 'laughs' Still can't get the darn thing right. Now, I have an irrational fear of screws.

I won't yet, but what does turning the screws of the IF transformers accomplish?

It varies the coupling between stages and should be done only when necessary. The makers usually put material into the cores to prevent the slugs from shifting on their own. They are made of ferrite material and are brittle and can break. I see your band switch is of the exposed wafer type so you will be able to see if it is clean. whatever agent you use to clean it, hold a paper towel under it to catch any overruns.

Hmm, as far as I can tell, it looks pretty clean. However my volume knob is scratchy so contact cleaner is my first step anyhow. When I spray the volume pot, do I just hit the side visible in the pics and work the knob, or will I have to remove the chassis? Or should I remove the chassis first anyway in order to make catching overruns easier?

Look at the pot where it is going through the board. Usually there is a notch cut through the metal body of the pot. Many times you can get a little bit of cleaner in through that. I would just work the pot turning it from min to max in one movement back and forth about 25 to 30 times and see if that improves things any. I'll bet it will. and it may do it with no cleaner. Try it without first.

Once you get the little slugs out of whack, you have to do an alignment procedure with a signal generator. That's hard to do when it isn't working because of a different problem. Finding the different problem is now almost impossible because it is out of alignment and won't work normally to allow a logical troubleshooting procedure. You can really get screwed....pun intended.

Cheers though...you'll get it.