msrief, Keith, many thanks for you input. I bent the bail arm (line roller bracket) so it's vertical, and I added a milk jug washer to the thrust washer.
Seems to help but not sure if it's enough. TBH I probably need to put this on the shelf for now and come back to it over the winter. Meantime, I bought a BG4000 to use in its place until I can revive the 711z.
msrief, you're probably right about the $20. And now the line costs more than that.
BTW, I've mostly had this on a rod that I built myself back then. I guess Hillyers was one of your go-to stores then too. I was 14 years old and went to Hillyers and John (or Matt? the one with the beard) was really nice and set me up with the blank, guides, guide layout. It's not beautiful but I still use it all the time.