New alternator whine when lights on
 

I’m a newbie and just replaced my alternator with a rebuilt unit from Pelican (not hard but lots of steps).

I fired up the motor – no issues. However, when I turned on the headlights, I heard a slight whine or hum from the fan pulley area. When lights are off, noise goes away.
I have all 6 shims and installed them in the same order as previously. I am using the existing belt.

Seeing white blotches on the fan housing, I used Corrosion Block on it and the fan. I wiped as much off as possible but that stuff sure is greasy.

Am I experiencing just a slick pulley surface?

What is the proper remedy? Will it just go away? Should I disassemble and rub down pulley with mineral spirits? How big of a deal is this?

I know lots of questions – thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Bracken

I wouldn't worry about it.
Take the car for a good long drive. If your old alternator wasn't keeping the battery up the added load of the lights probably has it working OT.
If it still has a whine after a good drive (with minimal power accessories 'on'), then you should start looking at other causes.
Just my $.02 worth.

Update:

I took the pulley apart and rubbed both sides with rubbing alcohol and then a dry (and clean) shop towel.

I don't hear any increase in sound when lights come on now -- though if I think really hard about it I'm sure I can hear something. Am I becoming an automotive hypochondriac?

In any case, tip for you other newbies: greasy pulleys don't work so well.

Thanks

Just make certain you have the proper amount of shims and in the recommended order.

Thanks for the feedback -- I double checked that I had the same number shims and that they were in the same place as before.

This is the first time I've worked on the Carrera. After the 356, the prospect of working on my "modern" Porsche was intimidating. However, the forum has been very informative -- much more so than my aftermarket repair manual.