all other gears work fine. i checked the clutch fluid and linkage seems ok. theres a small box onto of the tranny that the linkage goes into. should i take that apart maybe a pin fallen out or something.

 

Usually when an Accord or Prelude manual trans will not engage reverse it is due to a worn 5th-Reverse slider sleeve getting stuck on the hub. This will require a rebuild to fix.

 

i appreciate the reply. is it normal for this diagnosis to have 5th work normaly ?

 

also if i take it out i found a used tranny for 300$ should u just swap it out or buy the parts and rebuild the old one. i rebuild twin countershaft 18s at work im sure i could hadle this little guy just dont wanna go spend 250 on parts when i could spend 50 more n save some time.

 

You never know what you are getting with a used trans. The rounded engagement teeth are from grinding while shifting to 5th but 5th can still work even with a worn sleeve. The sleeve set is only about $150 if you want to tackle the job.