It died.

[bertsmobile1]

OK
What I am hoping you are saying is the mower ran fine without the rectifier connected .
SO now we have isolated it to the alternator or rectifier the next step is to check the stator

 

[RayMcD]

Clean and follow EVERY wire looking for chafed or shorting areas.

Try turning it over in the dark, if you've a stripped place you may see spark

 

[John Anderson]

OK
What I am hoping you are saying is the mower ran fine without the rectifier connected .
SO now we have isolated it to the alternator or rectifier the next step is to check the stator

No as I said in my last post, where I credited you for your advice, I installed the $25 rectifier and it worked fine. I am going to assume the old one was on it's way out. I thought I was pretty clear with that message. I just read it again and I did not clearly say I installed the new one. Sorry but I hope I don't have to take it out again.