Heres a quick check for the condition of the resistor ( Pot) in the float gauge assembly. Follow the lead up from the tank and pull the pin connector a part at the first terminal and put your ohmmeter red lead to the pin and the black to a good known chassis ground and move the float up and down in the tank with a coat hanger and see if the resistance changes. If no change you need a fuel tank gauge. I know what you mean about those L series and that plastic filter housing ( sucks) but that 3400 is about the best compact out there for the price. Look at a Deere and you will forget all about that plastic filter housing..... man does Deere think a lot of their compacts.