[davepl]

I'll say it once again because I don't think it stuck the first time, or I was unclear, but: remember the parasitic draw could be INSIDE the alternator, and the current flow you're seeing is to ground from the battery. I bet (a) that flow goes away with the alternator running but the battery missing, and (b) that the cause of the problem is internal to the alternator.

Now that's a very uninformed guess based on the symptoms, don't take it to the bank or anything. But do check to make sure all the diodes in the alternator are good.

Cheap and easy test is when its running. If the alternator gets hot, you know its the alternator. Doesn't rule it out if not, but it's a quick test. Let it run 2-3 minutes and check it.