Why Trannies Pop Out of Reverse

I keep reading about many explanations as to why a Alfa trans can pop out of reverse gear. Having rebuilt many Alfa transmissions I have found two reasons that account for 99% of reverse pop-out for an engine-mounted 4 or 5 speed transmission.

1) Improper installation of the console causing pressure on the shift lever so that it does not fully engage the shift detents. To evaluate just remove the console and drive the car. If it does not jump out of reverse, try to figure out what was wrong with the console installation.

2) The 5th / reverse shift fork is worn on most of the transmissions I take apart. Usually where this fork rides in the reverse gear there is 25 - 50% of the metal missing. Solution, get another fork or have the old one welded up. Of course this problem requires removal of the tranny or at least the rear housing. Proper alignment of the shift fork is required for good shifts and to eliminate popping out of gear.

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