What carburetor is on it? Rochester? 2 or 4 barrel? Hesitation/ hard start sounds like an accelerator pump. With engine off, take off the air cleaner and work the throttle while looking down into the throat. You should see two big squirts of fuel each time you work the throttle. If not, pump time. Has the carb ever been rebuilt? Resist the temptation to replace it with something else. The best carb is the one that came from the factory. But they get dirty and parts wear out. Learn to rebuild it and be the envy of all your friends!