Bad to run a new engine with no load?

[BioHazard]

I think that most of the Briggs engines are now made in china anyway, at least that is what I have been told,  but I have no real experience with them.  

There's a lot of hear say on this but I have yet to see a Briggs engine marked "made in china". (and I hope I never do!) The Vanguard engines are Japanese made, not sure if they farm things out to other parts of Asia or not. Briggs opened an engine factory in China, but last I heard, those engines were not for the US market. I'm pretty sure they are still making at least their flathead lawnmower engines in Wisconsin - though they are surely not going to live much longer.

Kinda sad, but at the same time I'd rather have six chinese engines for the cost of one Briggs. I said I'd never buy this chinese crap! A new one of these blue engines cost's about the same as a professional tuneup on a B&S. Now my Briggs collection is mostly for decoration only....