Scag Tiger Cat II does nothing from key

[Proud Veteran]

Question! I have a Scag 48" Tiger Cat II with the 22hp Kawasaki engine. Key does nothing so I tried jumping straight to starter. Started right up so next I thought solenoid. I noticed in the wiring diagram that there is a diode in the wire going from the ignition to the solenoid so I ran a wire from the ignition to the + side of the solinoid. Starts just fine! Sure enough there is no continuity from the key to the solenoid so I suspect the diode is bad. I was an electronic specialist in another life so I know that a diode let's current flow one way but not in the other. My question is this, what is the risk of bypassing the diode and just running a wire from the ignition switch to the solenoid and if it will cause damage anyone know the location of this diode? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!