Sorry for the delay
Bill,
Somehow, you are creating a ground with your lead tester, and if that diode is bad, it could be closing the solenoid. I am having a difficult time though now that you tell me yours was wired properly in the first place...
Yes, a good multi-meter will have a diode checking capability. The setting usually has a symbol of a diode - and you use that to check to see if it is working properly.
Jeff
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