The old low arch monaro I got of the curb the other month had that problem.
Turned out, presumably, it had sat for a long time with some fuel in the tank - it had varnished only the sides of the bronze filter. However, the top wasn't, and if the fuel level was over the top, fuel would flow to the carby.
Filters about 1.5-2cm tall, so it could be your case as well