I am just wondering what should be done, preventively, to my new/old vehicle, if anything?

Hi,

Spongy brakes can be the result of a couple of things. Most commonly the rear drum brakes are out of adjustment, or the brake shoes are worn. I you look through this link, it explains how to replace rear brake shoes and drums. I'm not saying they need to be replaced, but the directions for adjusting them are incorporated in the directions.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-rear-brake-shoes-and-drums

What you described as far as starting is likely either the electric choke isn't working, out of adjustment, or if it sits long enough, the fuel in the float bowl can evaporate. If that happens, it takes some cranking for the mechanical fuel pump to refill the bowl.

If you want, I attached the directions below for testing the choke. Take a look through them and let me know if you are comfortable performing the directions. Also, we have a guy on here that knows these vehicles inside out. I'm hoping he jumps in if he has other ideas.

Let me know.

Take care,

joe

See pic below.