no spark in start

Oh that explains your wonky voltages.

But it doesn't explain the voltage differences between run and crank; with a jumpered ballast they should all be the same.
not sure this tells me anything but was trying to check ignition switch. I remove the start wires connector from the ballast and removed the wire off the coil +. then check voltage at the start wire connector of the harness and it was still only 8 volts when cranking. now there are 2 other wires tied with the start wire, not sure what they are for. I didn't really want to take the three wire apart to check power from the ignition switch. what the best way to check the ignition switch. I was told that I needed at least 9.5 volts at the coil when cranking to get spark. I also tried my backup ecu no luck. But with the ignition in run and the distributor out spinning it my hand I have spark.