Jerry,
I hate to reveal my ignorance by asking a ridiculous question, but . . .
Why does one check the dwell? There isn't any way to "change" the dwell, is there? OK, I know, setting the points is setting the dwell, but that's always been "setting the point-gap", not "setting the dwell". I assume it's just to confirm that the coil and condenser are functioning properly, confirm the points are gapped properly, and that the ignition primary isn't getting sloppy?
-Michael