Most VHF problems can be traced to the antenna connector. A lot of people talk down about the crimp on connectors, but a well done crimp on will out perform a poorly soldered connector everytime.
Can't really help you with the spacer / washer problem as there are a couple cable sizes that come into play, as well as different brands of connectors.
I'd grab a shakespeare crimp on Pl-259 connector and go from there. They are very easy to install, almost fool proof.
Good luck,
|