2004 V70R Starter issue

[tneighbs]

I have a 2004 Volvo V70R with 130000 miles. I have had it less than a year and it had 119000 when I bought it. A couple of weeks ago I noticed it was getting a little harder to start. Seemed to turn over one more time and had a harsher sound before starting. Investigation was on my to do list but it failed before that could happen. It did not turn over but sounded like maybe the solenoid(?) was spinning. Tried to crank once with a bit of gear grinding noise then nothing. Had it towed home and order a new starter from the dealership. Replaced it after taking a lot of stuff off. Old starter had a good bit of metal filings inside it. While I was at it I removed the throttle body and cleaned it and flushed the transmission. When I first tried to start the car I got the spinning sound again several times. After a couple hours of forced (rain) demoralization I tried it again and it fired right up. I drove it around and it seemed to do really well. Throttle response was better and shifted smoother. Turbo hose worked it's way loose. I reconnected it. Started up fine on the next test drive. Lost some coolant in the disassembly so I got a low coolant warning. Added coolant went to restart and got the spinning sound again. Tried several times with no luck. Waited till my wife got home for her to try to start while I listened in the engine compartment. A couple of spinning start attempts followed by a sharp gear grinding noise attempt. Gave up till next day back to spinning sound starts. Anyone have any thoughts? I really enjoy driving this car. I have since installed a new battery with no change.
Thanks, Trevor

[oragex]

Was the ring gear in good shape? I think you can have a look at the gears from underneath the car

[tneighbs]

I have not been able to get under the car. It is too low and I am unable to jack it up right now. I did a DIY bench test of the old starter and it behaved properly. Could it be a starter relay or something else like that?