Reverse inexplicably won't fully engage

[Domino81]

So I've read up on this a little by searching on google and through here and it seems like its a common enough issue but it's never really solved. I'd really like to hear some ideas. I can get the shifter into the gate, it engages but if I let my foot off the clutch I'll grind the gear and if I really force and hold it in it'll engage.

[Easter Bunny]

Have you pulled the console and inspected the shifter?

[Tomas]

When did this start? Out of nowhere?
Have you adjusted your shifted cables?

[Domino81]

Yes, I've adjusted it a few times. I've checked for obstructions inside the engine bay. It started out of the blue a few weeks back. And yes, totally out of the blue.

[Tomas]

Since all your other gears are working fine I would rule out the slave cylinder.
If you can't find anything wrong with the linkages the next suspect would be the plastic tabs on the shift fork that engages reverse. When that pad is gone the fork won't be able to fully push the gear. Replacement requires opening up the gear box.
I wold try hard to rule out everything else possible before you take down the transmission to check the pads or wait till you have to replace your clutch and at that time change the fork.

[Domino81]

Well.. I have to pull the motor because I believe the 2 middle cylinders have cracked ring lands and have pretty excessive blow by.

[Easter Bunny]

Need to find a wrecked car and steal the motor and transmission.