Aaaarrrrgggghhh! Would this be the tension spring where you pull the thread through when threading your machine? If so, i did have one of those fail on one of my machines (i have a sitdown Nolting quilting machine - just a basic non-computerized machine i use for FMQ and rulerwork).
I called in to Nolting and they walked me through replacing the spring myself after ordering some extra springs which werent expensive. It wasnt hard and just involved loosening some screws to pull the entire tension assembly out and put it back in.
BUT i am definitely not a tool person so it was kinda stressful for me. After that i went online and ordered a complete tension assembly so that i would have a backup just in case it happened again. I think it was less than $60.00 but it bought me some time the next time it happened cuz my husband IS mechanically inclined. The next time it happened he just pulled the whole assembly and put the new one in. Then he replaced the spring in the original one when he had time so now i have a backup again.
Anyway just some thoughts. Is your boyfriend handy with tools at all? Maybe i am showing my age - lol! Cuz YOU could very possibly know your way around the toolbox yourself and if so, i APPLAUD YOU for that accomplishment!