The only fuel filter is the screen in the fuel tank is what ya say heh, My bet is that your carb needs to be disasembled and given a good cleaning out. and before you fire the car back up again put an inline fuel filter on about six or seven inches from the carb. One of the clear see through filters will do , better than what ya have now. Can get one of those filters cheap will do the trick and you can inspect it when ever you raise the hood.
Good Luck
Poolman