Try this, Do you notice the Signal level changing from some low value to a higher one as you attempt to 'get' the satellite??
The signals from 97W, and all FTA signals, are much weaker than the circular satellites.
You may require a bigger dish, what are it's dimensions, as asked in post #10 ??
But it may appear that the LNBF is bad also.
I've gotten some signals on an 18 inch dish on 97W, but they were very very weak. Only a few 'came in'. I'd say a 30 inch wide dish is the bare minimum for any reliability.
NOTE:
Connecting the coax to the LNBF, with the receiver power applied (ON) may likely destroy the LNBF. Never connect/disconnect coax with power applied.