Diesel Don,

How can the "ignition" be dead when a Diesel engine has no
ignition system?

What you probably mean is that the key switch is not making an electrical connection to the starter solonoid. Check the small terminal on the solonoid with a test light or voltmeter to see if it getting 12 volts when key is turned to start position.

But its probably not the switch. It is probably a bad solonoid or starter. Could also be a bad neutral switch. Try jiggiling the shift lever.

To "jump" the starter you can try touching a wrench or screwdriver across the solonoid terminals. Don't get excited about a big spark, its a heavy current.

P E H