Total POS
Like the tittle says, total POS. Stripped and missing screw, not timed, won’t run. Spent hours trying to time, fix, find appropriate screws, and make it work. Nope.
The RETROL Vintage Horizontal Mill Engine Stationary Engine Model 4 Stroke Gasoline ICE G16 is a 4-Stroke & Inline Engine precision-engineered by RETROL. Available for $749.99 USD with free worldwide tracked shipping, 30-day returns, and replacement parts support at Stirlingkit.
| 2T Engine Oil, 1 | 50 oil to gasoline |
|---|---|
| 2T Engine Oil (Mixed 1 | 50) |
More from RETROL
Enjoy exploring stationary engines? Meet another classic-inspired model from RETROL. The A16 features a distinctive A-frame design and flyball governor, and is now available for pre-order.
EXPLORE THE A16 PRE-ORDER →
RETROL G16 Horizontal Mill Engine: a ready-to-run, water-cooled 4-stroke gasoline stationary engine model inspired by the mill engines of early 20th-century Europe. Cast iron construction, a 225 mm flywheel and a classic red finish on a rosewood base make it a working engine you'll enjoy running and a display piece you'll be proud to show.
This engine is available in two versions: the RETROL G16 gasoline engine and the RETROL D16 diesel engine. Choose the version you want in the Power option above. Not sure which one suits you? This video walks through the differences.
Looking for the full diesel specifications? See the RETROL D16 Diesel Engine page.
Video by AJ Restorations
Slow running, video by reddrryder
Inspired by the stationary mill engines of early 20th-century Europe. Cast iron construction and a classic red paint finish give it a true vintage look and feel.
An integrated crankshaft and connecting rod for precision and strength, and an adjustable camshaft so you can set the gear clearance for quiet running and long gear life.
Upgraded cylinder head machining gives the piston rings a better seal for stronger compression, and a larger carburetor intake helps the G16 run smoothly from slow idle to full power.
A separate oil cup for direct cylinder lubrication, an upgraded plunger water pump for reliable cooling, and copper-plated pipes with improved seals to keep everything leak-free.
Comes with the CDI igniter, spark plug and electric drill starter adapter. Add fuel, 2T oil and a battery, and the RETROL G16 is ready to start.
Mounted on a rosewood base, it looks as good on the shelf as it runs on the bench. A standout gift for vintage engine enthusiasts and collectors.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Horizontal 4-stroke, water-cooled gasoline engine |
| Material | Metal (cast iron) & wood |
| Color | Red |
| Cylinder bore × stroke | 22 mm × 24 mm |
| Cast flywheel | 225 mm diameter × 20 mm thick |
| Rosewood base | 410 mm × 180 mm |
| Form | Ready to run |
| Cooling | Water-cooled (plunger pump) |
| Starting method | Electric drill with starter adapter (included) |
| Ignition | CDI ignition |
| Spark plug | 1/4-32 ME8 spark plug |
| Lubrication | Separate oil cup + splash lubrication from oil mixed in the fuel |
| Fuel | 92 octane (RON) or higher gasoline |
| Engine oil / fuel mix | 2T engine oil, 1:50 oil to gasoline |
| Ignition power supply | 6–10V battery |
| Product dimensions | 41 × 18 × 25 cm |
| Product weight | 4.5 kg |
| Package dimensions | 48.5 × 25.5 × 33 cm |
| Package weight | 5.5 kg |
| Recommended age | 16+ |
RETROL G16 orders placed from February 2026 come with an electric drill starter adapter instead of a hand crank. The hand crank has been discontinued.
In the box
Not included (please prepare)
Yes. The G16 arrives assembled and ready to run, and our RETROL G16 User Guide walks you through fueling, lubrication, drill starting and simple adjustments step by step.
Yes, it's one of the G16's favorite tricks. Run it at around 800–1,000 RPM; the user guide shares a fuel tip for thicker rings.
Replacement parts and upgrades, including the CDI igniter, Hall sensor, welded steel gear set, oil cup and drill starter adapter, are available on the RETROL G16 Engine Parts page.
Have a question about the RETROL G16?
Read the RETROL G16 User Guide, or contact our support team. We're happy to help.
Authentic feedback from hobbyists, machinists, and scale model engineers
Like the tittle says, total POS. Stripped and missing screw, not timed, won’t run. Spent hours trying to time, fix, find appropriate screws, and make it work. Nope.
Very nice engine, had a problem with the pick-up on the CDI ignition so I installed a micro switch with harden points in it (just use the white and black wires from the CDI). It runs perfectly. Very enjoyable engine to run.
The. best engine yet, starts easy and runs well. Hope the next 2 that are on order run as well as the one.
Works right out of the box. No issues, sounds excellent.
After running the engine for several hours I noticed the engine would start to bind up while warm. This would go away after the engine cooled. I took the engine apart and found the cylinder walls to be polished like a mirror from the rubber O rings. It seems four rings are too many. The two middle rings receive no oil after the cylinder walls become polished. I removed the two lower rings and found the engine runs just fine with no cylinder blow by. It still maintains full compression. I have always oiled the back of the piston before running. Oiling the back of the piston will keep both rings lubricated. If you need new rings the size is 1mm wire thickness by 22mm diameter.