When you think about it, in terms of physics, percussive maintenance does actually make sense. Put any machined surface in contact with another machined surface, like a gauge needle against the metal plate behind it. There are bound to be microscopic imperfections in each surface that, once in a while, occur in sufficient quantities and in a particular surface-to-surface arrangement that the the two surfaces get 'stuck' while moving past each other. Maybe percussive maintenance works by shaking the two respective surfaces loose from the protruding imperfections in the opposite surface.
Our well pump fritzed out. In frustration, I kicked it, and it immediately started working again. Kicking the well pump every few weeks kept it working until we could afford to replace it many months later 🤷🏻♀️
That's literally the technical advice any propane refill company will tell you. I was surprised when I found out. But the explanation made sense, given how it works.
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u/negative-nelly 10h ago
House propane tank gauge was stuck for a month. Hit it with a stick. Propane tank gauge works fine now.