I popped the hood and saw that the fuel filter was basically empty. So I clearly have an issue between the tank and the carb.
I'm not convinced you're clear fuel filter has actually indicated the source of your issue. The reason I don't think that filter is a reliable indicator is because I have a clear fuel filter on my 216 and it's almost always completely empty. If I took my truck for a 3 mile drive and pulled over to check the fuel filter I guarantee it would be wet but empty. It's been that way for the last 11 years of daily, and often long distance, driving. Even though I had no issues that empty filter bothered me so I replaced the gas cap, the filler neck, the fuel tank, the fuel lines, the fuel pump, the carburetor, and that clear fuel filter. Guess what? That new filter is still empty when I open the hood, but it never starves for fuel.
What does your filter look like at idle?
If it's full at idle but empty after a drive then you are correct and you can ignore my post. If it's mostly empty at idle then I would ignore the filter.
