[allan]

The problem of a missing BFO is fairly common here Steve and often means the frequency is miles out. If you don't have an oscilloscope and the BFO frequency is supposed to be say 450KHz, then look for an unmodulated carrier (on the same receiver).The third harmonic at 1350KHz should be present, but if the frequency is say 10KHz out this might be 1320 to 1380KHz.
You may also have a wrong IF that someone mis-tuned by twiddling IFT tuning.
For example the IF might be 465KHz with the BFO sitting on say 450KHz.
73 Allan G3PIY