hesitates when trying to accelerate ,pauses then jerks with gas smell

Sounds like an air flow issue. Engine's require air to mix with spark and fuel to create power. If you don't have enough air, the engine will essentially be "flooded" with fuel, thus the fuel smell. I would look for anything that would restrict air flow -- as simple as a restricted air filter, but likely something else, like an air control valve to the intake manifold. Also check for any exhaust restrictions, as a lack of ability to send exhaust can cause the engine performance to suffer also.