DH was able to get the plate off, there was a loose piece of thread present under the plate, got the feed dogs cleaned better with a Q-tip, changed the needle to a 75/11 since now working with thin Walmart muslin. Switched to Aurifil thread with both top and bottom threads. Stitch length is 10 and accurate.
The forward stitches continue to be great, probably the best I have seen with this machine.
The reverse stitches are not locking, the looping and puckering is gone.
The other area of concern maybe is the upper tension dial does not turn as easily as it could, not a real problem unless this is an indicator that of what is troubling the reverse stitches.
getting closer but no cigars yet!
Thanks for all the awesome help I have received here, I have learned lots the past few days!