i think i'm gonna take it apart, unsolder the Coax, cut it, restrip it, and solder it back better. I had one hell of a time getting that shield wire soldered, as you said, the case of the tuner is one hell of a heat sink. I'm pretty sure that's where my problem lies.

Did you guys zip tie the cable to the post as suggested? I think i'm just going to forego that for some hot glue on the exterior hole for the coax... should hold it securely without all the interior tension.