Abstract: A multi-cylinder self-starting hot gas engine according to the present invention consists of two parallel pairs of opposed displacer cylinders with respective displacer members mounted for movement therein and two parallel pairs of opposed work cylinders disposed parallel to the displacer cylinders and having respective pistons arranged to reciprocate therein; each work cylinder communicating with a respective displacer cylinder to provide a cold end chamber. First transmission connects the displacers for synchronized movement offset in phase within the cylinders and a second transmission interconnects the pistons for synchronized movement offset in phase within the cylinders. An output drive is connected to the pistons.