Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Briggs motor locked up, briggs stratton, ship engines

Question
I just bought a Briggs & Stratton tiller and started it.  It locked up after about 30 seconds.  I had stupidly assumed oil was in it. There was none.  Now the engine is locked.  Is it fixable?

Answer
You may be able to unlock the engine but I would remove the starter and spark plug before trying it.  Once those parts are removed you can rotate the engine backwards and see if it will unlock.

Briggs and other manufactures cannot ship engines with oil in them due to federal transportation regualations.  

Let me know what you find.
Eric