Water-Inducted Wonder
Two-Cycle, Hot Bulb, Kerosene Fueled, Water Induction -
The Mietz & Weiss Oil Engine Had it All
By Jeff Conner

Seven years ago, after finding a nice 6 HP Witte diesel and getting it running, I got interested in predecessors of true compression-ignition engines. I knew about Thermoils, and a few other early examples, but as I learned more I set my sights on finding an early hot bulb oil engine - and it had to be small.

Coincidentally, I made the acquaintance of engine collector Don Clickner, Troy, N.Y., after a fellow employee introduced us. Don and I discussed our mutual interest in old engines, and I asked him if he had ever seen any small hot bulb oil engines. "Sure," he said, "how about a 1-1/2 HP Mietz & Weiss oil engine?"

As it turned out, Don had a friend who rescued a Mietz & Weiss - this Mietz & Weiss - from an old farmhouse before the house (and the engine) was cleared away as part of a reservoir project. Don's friend had passed away, and Don had been storing the engine for the past 15 years as a favor to his friend's family. After telling me about the Mietz & Weiss, Don contacted the family to see if they would consider selling it to me. To my great fortune, they agreed, and that is how I came to be the custodian of this interesting little engine.