Volvo Repair: Car will not start, volvo 740 gle, intake manifold gasket

Question
87/volvo/740 gle wagon (172023)
I'm having trouble getting my car too start I had it service, water pump replaced thermo,intake manifold gasket,air filter,radiator, all replaced. also other work done. But still car would not turn over imediatlly. Once going she would run ok for about 20 min. then the rpm would move up to between 3/4rpm and remain there while in drive this would then cause the car too stall as i'm driving and would not come down. the service people were unable too determaine why this was happining nor were they able to get it to go down. Now the car will not even start. and i have exusted a 1,000.00 Dollars already into it and do not have any more money to invest. what could be causing it to not only start but to idle so high and not come down. I was told by the previous owners that the gasket was bad and had been replaced but i see smoke still comming from the left side of the engine can you please advise me?
  thank you,
   M.D

Answer
when the car wont start, do you have spark? if not check the wires going into the bottom of the distributor. these wires control the switches inside.if the plastic housing is broken, or loose, these wires can 'short' out while driving idling or anyother time they feel fit to do so. start with that.