frankd

I have had this snowblower for at least 12 years, with medium use every winter (heavy at times). It always started on the first or second pull of the recoil string. Starting last season, from time to time, it felt like that the recoil would slip, as if there was no tension on it. It would do it for 4 or 5 pulls of the cord and finally it would start!
Is there anything I need to worry about? Will there be long term damage if not fixed? What is the fix? I can somewhat handle tools and open stuff.
Thanks