Engine oil & filter change on my 22 year old Maruti 800 DX 5 speed

I was regularly checking the oil quality visually on dipstick, but that didn't give the true picture.

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Oil change 2022:

GG had not seen much use in past 2 years, as it's role has been limited to that of a weekend drive. During this life of retirement, it had barely seen 2400km of running, in 1 year and 7 months since last oil change.

The oil change was due in June 2021, but because of COVID 2nd wave, low running and then lack of time, I was postponing the oil change, even though I had procured 3 cans of Shell Helix Ultra 5w40 in July 2021. One main reason was that the oil change isn't that easy like say my XL6. In 800, I have to take out the front bumper to be able to cleanly do the job, or there should be a lift or pit access to easily take the filter out.

I was regularly checking the oil quality visually on dipstick, but that didn't give the true picture. Somehow, the oil was turning thick, may be due to age or long periods of being idle. When I drained the oil, the oil in sump had become very thick, when compared to new oil. Lesson learnt, oil changes are not to be delayed even if the running is negligible. I guess with low running, one needs to be even more proactive.

Some pics:

New oil and spare parts:

Front wheel needs to be slightly raised:

Drained glutinous oil:

Some recent clicks of GG:

Regards,

Shashi.

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