Update...Okay, I ordered Amann TEX 90 Outdoor Pro Polyester Bonded thread and pre-wound bobbins from Wawak. Also, I ordered Schmetz Leather Needles: 135x16x20, 135x16x21, & 135x16x22.
I threaded the machine and tried out all the needle sizes. The result was frayed polyester thread on top near the last thread guide and the needle. The poly snapped several times as well. Tension could have been too tight...or it could have been a burr...or a combination of them both??? Played with different tensions for about 2.5 hours. Never could get it right.
Became super frustrated, put back on the 69# Nylon and tested with various needles (the leather needles as well as my existing 135x17 in size 18, 20, & 22). Eventually, the 135x17x18 worked best. It might be working better than before. The topstitching isn't skipping stitches like before.
So, any idea on why my machine hates Poly?