Does your model have an external igniter? If so, you still need the wire to head to the coil and you would need to unhook the kill wire and or oil pressure switch wire further down the line. Last summer I had to replace a coil on one of these and there was a bulletin or something special anyways with the coil. You may want to verify the right coil was purchased. These very seldom fail in my world though.

thanks for the response tomplum, i don't think it has an igniter, but it does have an oil switch. would the igniter be mounted on the shroud? if so, no, only thing there is fuel pump

The parts diagram shows the simple igniter like the singles have, but I've never replaced one. I don't know what percentage of them have them or not. IE an FC420 most had external igniters, some did not. In fact, the coil I put on last year was replaced because the old one was damaged (basket case) The parts listing shows 2 different coils too.
Here is a link for the service manual that may help. http://www3.kawpowr.com/enginesecure/ServiceManuals/FC290V.pdf

Here is a link that might be useful: deere parts

I think they had ignitors through the 1997 model year...not sure exactly. But if you had a " separate ignitor" igniton and you put an "integral ignitor" coil on there it won't work. Flywheels are different.

Given that you've unplugged the kill wire and still nothing, it almost has to be the coil...or the wrong coil (my bet).

hey guys, thanks for the input. just to let you know, i found a kawasaki cadaver and swapped coils and it started right up. must have got a bad coil off the shelf. i'll go tomorrow and get the new one