first question - have you successfully FMQ on a different machine? I ask because I had a ton of problems the first time I attempted it - I was breaking thread about every 2".
Are you pulling the bobbin thread up to the top of the quilt and holding it as you start? I don't have to do that with my 30 year old Viking -but I have to do that with my 15-91 or I'll have issues with one or two stitches.
I have not done much FMQ- and only on two machines (I don't count my long arm). My viking does not like to go right to left, I did switch to a larger needle and that helped. My Bailey has a very large needle (think it's a 16).