I don't think the filter not being full is the issue. Every time I've run a see through filter, from old Harleys to old cars, they are not full when running. I suspect you have crud (highly technical term there) in the float bowl that's plugging the seat. That is the first place I'd check. The images below show what I found on my 38 when it kept "running out of gas". The debris would occasionally cover the jet and block flow. If the float bowl is clean, the process is to disconnect the fuel line, one connection at a time, starting at the carburetor or tank and working to the other end, until you find the blockage. Pull the spark plugs (less strain on the starter and faster cranking speed).

Thank you Tiny for the help. What im getting from you is the fuel filter bieng half full shouldnt be a concern ? I was under assumption that if the fuel lines were not clogged and fuel pump was operaring correctly the fuel filter should be full. But ok if the fuel filter half full isnt a concern than ill move on and wait for car to stall out again and check the bowl for debris. As of now the car startes and idles with out any problems .. ill take it for a spin and see how it does. Im thinking at this point it was just a dirty fuel filter that caused the intial stall. Let me know if you think im taking this on correctly.

No need to wait for it to stall again. It's easier to pull the cover off in the garage than on the side of the road. If there's debris there, it'll be there now. You are correct about what I'm saying with the filter. I've personally never had one completely full and it's never been an issue with driveability for me.

@tiny 

Hi Tiny

I was posting a color picture for Charles in another thread when something caught my eye.

I was thinking my filter ran full of gas, now I'm pretty sure it does.  🙂

It's either completely full or completely empty isn't it. I currently have the cylindrical in-line type on my 38 and it's never completely full. I have no clue as to the physics involved but, while one would reasonably think it would be full, I don't believe it's necessary. If it is, I'm the exception to the rule.

@tiny 

cylindrical in-line type . This is what im using aswell. Filter lies horizontally the same way the gas line runs. Its not a glass bowl filter its a cheap plastic housing carbon filter . 

I concur. I have my one glass filter installed just before the carb and it seems it can be either way. Sometimes full. Sometimes half. In the half bowl scenario, as long as you see fuel movement with engine running, you're fine. I have the fuel pump with the glass bowl too and I clean that regularly. I replaced the cork seal for that glass bowl. It was beyond nasty. Also I too had my discount card with the local tow trucks. My experience is there are numerous sources for clogged fuel. Clean out everything you can (tank, fuel pump glass bowl, carb). Install filters everywhere you can... ideally one's you can see through. Filters are your friend, even if they ARE a little unsightly.

On another note, when it was real hot this summer and I was trying to run ethanol fuel, I got maybe 2 miles down the road before it died. I pumped and prodded and got it back home thankfully. I drained the tank and filled with ethanol free and it was a much happier little 37.

I have a inline prior to the fuel pump and it is not full when running.  I have the traditional one prior to the carb and it is full when running.  Not sure why one is one way and the other is different.  If it is not the carb and you have an older tank you might want to check if there is possibly sediment in the tank blocking the flow.  Although if this was the case I would think there would be issues whenever you accelerated as the fuel flow would be restricted.  The carb issues sounds the most likely.