To clarify I am NOT changing the 741 for another DIFFERENT op amp. I AM putting in a NEW 741 op amp. The fact that the original 741 op amp works and that the new 741 needs a bit of tweaking to work properly proves that there is a difference. As mentioned I'm doing a substitution test NOT trying to upgrade the power supplies op amps with something "better". Faster op amps would result in disaster. The 741's are the only parts that should be used.
PS Any suggestions for which value of capacitor to put across the Zener to bypass any (RF in particular) noise?
The 741 has been around for a long time and is 100% reliable .
From what you have said it sounds like your replacement op amps ARE NOT originals
Try checking them off board in ether IC tester if you have and compare with the original ones.
on a 741 can be tested using the Diode test on a good bench meter .
If its a cheesiness fake the die print will be wrong and you can
all day and get no joy.
quick test safe on 741 . not 100% accurate but a fake will show large error.
Diode Test
Place the Plus (red) prob to pin (-) 4 and check the reading on 2,3 & 6 then do the same on the original (inputs & out )
you should get a reading of 0.76v aprox if they all read the exact same its ok if one reading is off by more than 0.02v its a die fake ..
Only touch test don't hold the diode test on for more than needed to read the meter .
I know some one here will shout but its a quick test that spots fakes 99% correct . IC tester is far better .
BTW I would put the originals back and find the real problem.