Fuel Filter - Half full or half empty?

I recently upgrade my older tractor to a newer 2009 Craftsman with a B&S engine model: 31877 1371 B1. First thing I did was replace fuel filter, air filter, spark, oil, oil filter and added fuel shut-off value to make things easier and also cleaned our carburetor.

Engine runs great most of the time, but sometimes it is hard to start (even warm) or has stalled once or twice. I noticed the fuel filter never seems to be "full" and when I have trouble with it the filter appears "empty". If I add more gas to the tank (more than 1/2 full) the problems go away. I *believe* this is a gravity based system so it seems when gas level is low it doesn't exert enough pressure to keep it flowing enough to run engine. This past weekend I put in another new fuel filter (691035 supposedly B&S Genuine) to see if that was the culprit, but it seems to be acting the same way.

On the inside cover of this tractor it lists the part numbers for maintenance items. I have notice a few inconsistencies between parts listed on the sticker (394358) and what the engine manual (691035) shows though. I replaced it with the one that matched what it was when I bought it. Perhaps I need the other style of fuel filter here?

Attached a few pictures for reference.


Any suggestions here?

Thanks,
Mike

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