Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

The recoil rope on my Ariens 824 broke this morning(2 or 3  years old ?).  Don't know why I decided to use the rope start.  I usually use the Electric starter.  This rope has only been used a handful of times. I was using it last night.  Anyway it started on the first pull - thats good cause I only got 1 pull.  Now to the point.  I'm looking for a "how to fix"  this problem,  and what can I do to keep this from reoccuring on such a short time frame.    It also seemed to be slow to come out of gear. the blower wanted to keep  going after I would release the drive handle. Thoughts , Suggestions ? I store it in an unheated garage, I also try to clean out the chute / auger after I use it.  The Ariens perfomed wonderfully on this snow.  I appreciate your wisdom and depth of knowledge also general LMAO comments that I have seen on this board (lurker).