That's right....2 THICK base gaskets on a brand new engine!
Poor quality control!
Perhaps it was made on a Friday??
I imagine the engine would have been difficult to start, or operate poorly at best with very low compression.
I plan on re-assembling with 1 base gasket, then checking piston to head clearance.
Should the piston interfere with the head, I will have to assume that the factory installed 2 base gaskets on purpose , due to a poorly made cylinder.
I wish I had a way to confirm that the port timing and deck height is correct with this cylinder. And that the factory did NOT install 2 base gaskets for a reason.....