Help Me to Understand Dry Start ?

DonBaja wrote:
Let's assume the Cummins 8.3L diesel hasn't been started for a month.

When I turn it over - is it dry metal on dry metal on the main bearings and crank? Or is it possible that the main bearings are sitting in an oil bath of some sort. There are a couple of seconds between the engine firing and the oil pressure coming up. I assume that the bearings feel oil pressure before the pressure sensor does and then the signal has to travel 36 feet to the gauge. I have felt how smooth crankshafts are where they come in contact with the main bearings and I know these main bearings are relatively soft. Having said that - does your engine die a little every time it sits for a month between starts? Are there other contact points like rod bearings that suffer as much or more than the main bearings? Thanks in advance for your insights!