Zoinks!
Registered
Rectifier, I had the same scenario, same symptoms !!
The rectifier is part of the charging system. It shouldn't have anything to do with his problem now that he's got a new battery in it and it still won't start. Maybe if it were still the old battery and it wouldn't start after running it, but I can't see where it would be a factor right now.
Did you replace the battery on yours before the rectifier and still have the same issue?