I should have said that sometimes reverse is no harder to engage than the other gears.
They always go into the actual reverse slot a bit hard unless the non-synchro gear teeth are perfectly aligned. Same with first gear. Sometimes I have to get it into second, third, or fourth first & then into reverse. When it's really difficult, I let the clutch out slightly to turn the gears & then go into reverse.
Seems like this only happens when I'm in a real hurry to get into reverse for some reason.
If the clutch is dragging, not fully releasing, it will always be hard to get into first & reverse. Not hard to check the clutch linkage adjustment.
As the pedal is depressed, there should be about 1" of relatively free travel as the throwout bearing approaches the clutch & then stiff travel to the fully released position.
On the BN2, the nightmare clutch linkage can be worn enough to reduce total pedal travel to a point where there just isn't enough travel remaining to permit the bearing to be clear of the clutch when the pedal is fully out & still travel far enough to completely release when the pedal is in.
DWR has a much improved clutch linkage for these cars. Easier pedal depression & no lost motion.
https://www.bighealey.co.uk/section.php?id=5&page=2
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