My 850 volvo will start but lately ever now and again it will try and start then have a long gerr sound,and sometimes when it starts its a long metallic sound,its been doing these things alot lately,whats wrong

 

Sounds similar to what mine did when the starter was starting to go. It would start fine at times (sometimes would be fine for a couple weeks) but, then you'd turn the key and the starter would just sound weak and not even turn over the engine. Would finally turn over the engine after a crank or two. When I removed the old started, a bunch of black powder poured out of it.

 

Is the metalic noise sound like grinding?
and does the gerrrr noise sound like a motor just spinning?

It could possibly be the starter but it also my be the shaft is not kicking out due to a bad solenoid.

 

Check the battery condition as well as alternator output and voltage drop while starting.
The metallic screeching sound is the pinion gear hitting the ring gear and not engaging.
This could be from a low battery, bum battery cables or a weak starter.

Brian, the black powder is what used to be the carbon brushes.
Ed

 

Brian, the black powder is what used to be the carbon brushes.
Ed[/quote]

I didn't open the old one but, figured something was seriously wrong with it when I saw that.