Still no luck on finding what is causing the troubles. Got any advice?

Thanks
AFF

Its hard to diagnose an issue with a pedal, especially without seeing it in person. How much time and effort are you willing to put into this repair? Are you looking to learn something about circuits, or are you just wanting your Metal Zone sound? If you are wanting to learn, you have a great opportunity with a defective pedal that is already broken, because you can't really break it again. Though you could just kill it completely I guess. But if you answer that you just want your Metal Zone at your feet again then your best bet may be to just move on. Buy a used Metal Zone and toss this one in a shoebox labelled "pedal graveyard" or something, you may find a use for it later as parts of the housing, or take another stap at a DIY repair.

I am not trying to be mean spirited at all, so please don't misunderstand. I feel for you, as a fellow guitarist who has had plenty of broken stuff, its the worst. But when bench fees for a local tech outweigh the cost a replacement what are you to do?

__________________
Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance

Well the only problem is ... a good friend placed this pedal in my hands hoping I could figure it out. I understand what you mean about having to see it to know what is wrong. I may just have to let him know that I absolutely cannot figure this out and that I would be willing to purchase the pedal from him for a decent price ... this would allow me to use it later or continue to work on it. I may take one more look at it tonight then let him know I cannot figure it out if nothing comes up tonight. Thanks again ... this post is still open though ... just in case someone stumbles upon it and wants to offer some advice. Thanks!

AFF