[TenTec] ORION2 Connected to a MFJ-998 1.5kw auto tuner trouble

[george]

I am having trouble with my O2 working with a new MFJ-998 auto tuner. The 
MFJ specs says it only needs 5 watts to start the auto tune process.
The problem is when I have it tune160 meters, which is fine, then I go to 
75/80  meters to tune there, when I press the tune button on the O2 the MFJ 
does not respond?
I made sure with my Bird 43 that there was indeed 25 watts going to the 998 
tuner from the O2. I have to press the PWR button and go to 45 or so watts 
to get the 998 tuner to wsake up and begin it's tuning.
The real kicker is when I use my Icom-736 in the same configuration the 
MFJ-998 works fine????
I have over 40 years electronic tech under my belt and this one has me 
confused.
I have a call into MFJ but I don't think they are going to help.
Can anyone help me?
Thanks.
George W2YJ