I use the exact same grease ...never had a problem.
I fill the coax fitting and screw it on.
do not have a clue without being there what your issue is.
Rick - Once again, tks for your reply! I did about the same with the grease and I don't think it degrades anything, at least not up to these mid UHF frequencies.
Good news! In a real "D'Oh" moment, I discovered that I had transposed my true and magnetic headings, so the only issue was that the antenna was pointed off by about 10 deg. from where I thought it needed to go. Some reaiming via the rotator "solved" the problem! I was receiving Ch 23 HD (actual 24.1) rock solid all last evening! That was with the tuner in the Sony TV only.
I still have more experimenting to do including seeing how the 811 and 622 perform with this antenna, and I can use the "meter" in either of those units to find the "sweet spot" for Ch 23 and try to lock the others I'm trying to receive. So I have some substantial work to do before I declare "success", but I think I'm finally seeing the end of the tunnel with this project.
Once I have the definitive word I'll post a recap with some pictures. Right now it's the 4228 at 35', 7777 preamp, 9521 rotator, Belden 1189A QS to the PS and distribution point (no split yet). I still need to get it properly grounded (ran 6ga copper all the way down) but that shouldn't be a real risk factor this time of year. Besides the soil is freezing now and it will be difficult to drive the ground rod in. (The system will also be bonded to the house electrical system.) Otherwise the system is in its permanent position, guy wires all secured, etc. and should survive the winter before I have to adjust anything.
I've invested almost $480 in this system! My reputation is on the line, especially with the S.O.
More to follow...