Dry Start A Good Idea?

[Aussicon]

So I happened on a YouTube just after I took delivery of the JL and they were describing how the 3.6 does not have a one way valve in the oil filter assembly, so when you switch off, all the oil drains out of the top half of the engine, so when you start up from cold, there is no oil up there for a few seconds, hence problems down the track with lifters etc. Sounded reasonable to me, and they were pushing their own oil filter assembly that incorporated a one way check valve, which sounded good, except would give the dealer an out if it ever came to a power train warranty issue.
So every morning, I have been dry starting - foot flat on the gas and brake - motor will crank but does not start. figuring that this will oil the top half of the motor, then I start normally.
Dumb idea or not?

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[Mudduck]

During dry starting, the pistons are still moving up and down…. Not sure how it would make any difference.

 

[Aussicon]

It's only turning over at a few hundred RPMs while building oil pressure is my theory. I'm more concerned with the valve train being dry, than the bottom end which is already sitting in an oil bath.

 

[Dale's Jeep]

There is oil residue left in the valve train after running engine so I wouldn't worry. Look at folks who rebuild engines how much they parts are still covered.

 

[Powelligator]

It only takes a couple seconds to get the oil circulating out of the pump when you start the engine, so I think where the filter is located doesn't matter that much, as long as there's enough oil floating around the top end. I'd be more concerned for a vehicle that spends a lot of time (weeks, months) not running at all then being dry started.

 

[JLfromCA]

We’ve been told all our lives that starting is the hardest on an engine. That’s why I disabled ESS immediately. Of course there’s some on the forum that love ESS for some reason.. imagine shutting off your engine at every stoplight. I’m sure that can’t be bad for the long-term engine wear. Lol.

 

[azwjowner]

Only if you run 20W-50. Amsoil.

(Please do not do this).

 

[gsbrockman]

So every morning, I have been dry starting

Every morning is excessive.

If your Jeep sits primarily Sunday evening through Thursday or Friday without starting….like mine…..dry starting might not be a bad idea.

 

[58Willys]

Let your Jeep sit for 5 days, then pull a valve cover off. There will be plenty of oil there. What about engines with a canister filter on the bottom, did you dry start those. No! I doubt dry starting spins the oil pump enough to even pump anything. Just fire it up.

 

[coupedncal]

Could someone kindly explain what dry starting is?

 

[dsgrey]

We’ve been told all our lives that starting is the hardest on an engine. That’s why I disabled ESS immediately. Of course there’s some on the forum that love ESS for some reason.. imagine shutting off your engine at every stoplight. I’m sure that can’t be bad for the long-term engine wear. Lol.

Spouse drives a Honda hybrid and a 3 mile drive in town probably starts the engine at least 10 times. I know plenty of hybrid owners with over 200k miles without engine issues. I hear what you're saying since I was told the same thing 45 years ago when I started driving. But most engines now also use oil that runs like water (0w20) and makes me cringe versus 10w40 many years ago.

I disabled ESS 4+ years ago for a different reason. Pain to change that battery, it tends to kill the primary battery and it made no difference in my MPGs.

 

[garykk]

Could someone kindly explain what dry starting is?

Kinda like dry humping, feels good but nothing happens.

 

[coupedncal]

I understand the overarching concern is oil drains after some time and engine is left with little to no oil at the time of start up.
The OP mentions they have been dry starting every day by supposedly putting flat foot on brake and gas. I don't quite follow what that means. They are putting foot on brake likely because they have an auto. But how does pressing the accelerator bring oil to the pistons? Doesn't that just bring fuel into the chamber? How does that affect oil flow?

 

[Bob Burd]

Hitting start button with foot on accelerator will prevent spark ignition and fuel to cylinders. In other words, engine turns over but doesn't fire up. Accelerator pedal is all electronic, not like the old days when it opened a throttle mechanically. Now the PCM decides whether to really start the engine for you.

 

[Aussicon]

Foot hard on both pedals, push start and engine cranks but does not start. Hopefully circulating the oil around the valve train and reducing risk of lifter problems down the track. That’s the theory anyway. Maybe a complete waste of time but I figured it was worth investigating.

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