Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): B&S charging system, charging system, rectifier

Question
Hi Michael, I have a 9-hp B&S engine in a MTD Yard Bug riding mower; it is 1 1/2 years old.  The battery quit turning the engine over about 6 months ago.  I checked the fuse and all the wiring and everything seemed okay.  Bought and installed a new battery, and it started the engine only one time.  Checked fuse and wiring again, and have been jump-starting it with a battery pack ever since - not a convenient thing to do.  Do you think it likely that the rectifier (which I can't actually see, but I'm sure I can find it) has crapped out ... or am I overlooking something more obvious?  Any help will be appreciated, and probably save me from a beating by my wife!

Answer
Hi Gary,

Sorry for the delay.  My ISP was down.

I'm not sure what role the rectifier plays in the starting circuit.  It is strange that a new battery solved the problem but only for one start and that using a jumping battery works.  Hmm...If the battery is good and it will only start with a second battery I would suspect the starter.  Does it crank at all without the jumper?
Check for voltage at different points along the circuit to see if there is no power at some point or if it does reach the starter.

Michael

P.S. In the end, we may decide that it is your wife's fault but hold off for now.  ;-)