Yes, the voltage regulator is internal to the alternator, however pulling off the battery cable while the engine is running is not a valid, proper, or orthodox procedure or test, and when you dis-connect the battery while the engine is running the voltage and amperage being generated by the alternator will back up through the diodes inside of the alternator and damage the diodes, and then the alternator will loose efficiency and might even run for a short time before the alternator fails to charge completely.
You can check the alternator efficiency to determine if the alternator is charging simply by connecting a volt meter to the battery and while the engine is running the voltage reading at the battery should be 14.5 volts, but a reading between 14 and 16 volts is acceptable. If the voltage reading at the battery is less than 14 volts when the engine is running then there is a problem with the charging system.
Check the voltage reading at the rear of the alternator at the main "Bat" or battery connection while the engine is running, and if the voltage is between 14 and 16 volts at the back of the alternator, but is reading below 14 volts at the battery, then there is a problem with the wiring between the alternator and the battery or the battery itself is internally shorted, and if you get the same voltage reading at the alternator and the battery then the alternator is faulty.
A 76, huh, let's see, I don't know if that had the regulator in there or not. It sounds like the alt died, but maybe not. It won't run without the alt. And will only last about 20 mins on a full battery. I would take the alt off and get it back to the store to have it checked. That would be the quickest way to tell, just because it is new doesn't mean it is good. Don't keep on killing the battery, it can only handle so many drains. Hope this helps.
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