Connect a voltmeter across the battery terminals with the car running,
if you don't see 13.5 - 14.5 volts then the battery isn't charging and
its probably something wroing the the alternator. Check at both the
battery terminals (posts) and the clamps; it may be just corrosion.
Lead oxide looks just like lead.
Almost all parts stores will bench test an alternator for free.
The fact that the car dies if you disconnect the battery would seem to
indicate that the alternator is not producing any voltage, and hence
the car is running off the battery, which seems to fit with the rest
of your observations.
Skye
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1966 MGB - GHN3L Safety Fast! __,__\__
The MGB Experience http://www.mgb.bc.ca/ (_o____o_)
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