I think the damage caused by start up is exaggerated. The statement is that starting up causes the most wear of ......(whatever).

The oil does not run completely off the bearings. The oil in the bearing shells cannot be gotten out of the space easily, as it is held in by capillary action.

I once started a freshly rebuilt caddy motor without any oil in the pan and ran it for several minutes (don't ask how this happened) with no ill effect. There was the white grease that my favorite machinist used on assembly only.

Of course I would never choose to run an engine with no oil in the pan even for a second, but starting and stopping them in this application does not seem to be an issue.

Tom W

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.