1988 Corsica starter problem

When I turn the key I can hear what is best described as a loud whiring sound, often i'll get it to kick a little bit but not enough to get it started. I can smell gas when I try to start it. So any help at all on where I should start on my car would be greatly appreciated.

loud whiring sound, often i'll get it to kick a little bit but not enough to get it started. I can smell gas when I try to start it.
the whirling ??need more info
kick a little but not enough to start....sounds like a low battery?connection
gas smell...every time you turn key on your injecting gas thats not being burned
1st id check battery/charging system & go from there

I think the battery is fine, everything else seems to work headlights, radio, heater etc. But I'll start with that thanks. As for the sound well it's kind of hard to describe, I turn the key and it just makes this loud sound that I can best describe as some kind of whirring and it will last as long as I turn the key. As I said it does kick a bit every now and then but then the same noise will persist.

i still would check the battery load test it.it doesnt take much to run the accessories
so it still may be the battery.how old is it & if its getting colder in your area could be
the reason.Good Luck

The bendix on your starter may be shot. When those fail the starter will crank but all you hear is a loud whirl because the teeth on the bendix won't engage the flywheel and tunr your motor over. Worse case, broken timing chain on engine, and ,although rare it is possible. My bet is the starter.