New Alternator Question

[eyebuzz]

Hi All,

I'm back with new alternator questions - Just replaced my alternator (remanufactured one) and voltage regulator but didn't seem work out - same problem as before replacement - batter runs down, electrical stuff slows/dims/goes out. Jump started no problem but saw no increase in volts to the battery via a separate analog multimeter.

Questions:
1) When the truck is running should everything be able to run off the alternator exclusively - in theory could you disconnect the battery and it would still run? I ask this as when it was running and I started turning on lights, blinkers, heater blower all that electrical stuff was much dimmer/slower than normal and then the engine just died.

2) Can I test the alternator at the source using the multimeter (not at the battery)? If so what would I be looking for? What I'm trying to figure out is if it is the alternator that is bad (it's "new" but I know they don't always work out of the box) or my wiring. And If I can test at the source what would I be looking for on my meter - and what settings should I have it at (see photo below?



Thanks...I'm having a good time figuring all this out...BUT a much better time when it actually works.