Buying a Miller Dialarc - what to look for?

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I'm going to look at a used a DialArc next week.  Are there any particular things I should check or look for?  I'm also wondering about checking the DC output -- If one or more diodes (rectifiers?) are defective, how will the machine weld?  Will it sputter, not work at all, or what? Are parts readily available for these older machines?  Does one have to buy them from MIller?  tx...........n_a
Reply:Your best bet is to have a mechanic shop to check it out.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Take Weldgault advice .                                                                                                                                                      There are no strangers here just friends who have yet to meet.
Reply:I just wired mine up today and I love it. 1979 Dialarc 250 AC/DC-HF machine. Only issue it had was the gas solenoid valve was stuck (i think this is common)The watercooling valve and the gas valve are the same with different fittings, so I swapped the fittings and the valves (since I have an aircooled torch) works like a charm. So if I ever go watercooled I'll need a solenoid. No biggie. If you have the opportunity to get it checked out then might as well, but honestly if the valves and relay work as they should and most importantly the HF works the rest is dead easy to work on. You will be able to tell by the sound if a diode is gone. DC sounds completely continous, the machine barely sounds any different at 200amps than at idle.If a diode is gone it will oscillate/hum.
Reply:To answer the other question, yes, parts are still readily available for that machine.  You'll need to be armed with the model number and serial number when you go to your Miller dealer.