How would a van react if its timing chain or belt is giving out?

Question edited for clarity and fix funky punctuation and lack of spaces.
Question moved to model category.

My first thought was that the timing belt had snapped, but you have a timing chain and it says this

Does a Ford Windstar have a timing belt or chain?
Best Answer. Your Ford Windstar had two engine options and they both ran a timing chain, not a timing belt. Belts need to be replaced at around 100K miles, but since you have a hardened steel timing chain, you have nothing to worry about. Your chain should last the life of the engine without being serviced.
May 28, 2019

Has the oil ever been changed. You saying there was a 'pop' concerns me but it may have been a backfire, or unburned fuel popping through the Throttle Body.

And then there is the grinding sound, but that might just be the starter on the flywheel.

The only way to diagnose is to call out a mobile mechanic.

https://www.google.com/search?q=mobile+mechanic+near+me

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Lack of power, poor acceleration, unstable idle

The 2000 MVP has two timing chains, one on each side of the engine on the front side. They have a plastic timing chain cover over them...

It could possibly be a crank sensor or if in fact it does turn over really fast then that indecates a breakage of one of the timing chains.
Timing chains wouldn't actualy jump unless a tooth on the sprocket breaks or is worn completely off and that usualy takes years of abuse and over reving to occur.
You could always get your vehicle to a parts store to have a diagnosticsroyble code read out, the diagnostic computer can give you an accurate answer...

I hope this helps to solve your problem

The 3.8 liter in the 2006 actually has a timing chain not a belt. So the chain doesn't need to replace what you may run into down the road is the tensioners having a problem as their is basically 3 chains in that engine. I would still take chains over belts any day though.
thank you and enjoy,
Lee

After a little research on this Van, I don't believe you have a timing belt you have a timing chain. Most timing chains last for the whole life of the car. If you are having trouble with it or here a strange noise I would recommend taking it to a trusted mechanic. I have heard nightmare storied over certain dealers charging a lot for a chain replacement. But you should usually have to replace a timing chain.

timing chain

this engine uses a timing chain, a chain doesn't need to be replaced for the life of the engine

This van has a timing chain, which should last for the life of the engine. The LS engines, which I'm guessing you have one of the 4.8,5.3,or 6.0L, use a high quality roller timing chain that is long-lasting, and won't give you issues. Also, having roller lifters, the camshaft puts less resistance on the timing chain, so the combination of a strong chain coupled with less resistance, makes for a reliable chain.

it should have a timing belt. most V8's and up have chains.

if a mechanic does it about 300 dollars parts and labor