My 2015 3.5 EB at 178k miles suddenly broke its timing chain last week. My check up last week the dealer didnt mention it needing replacement. It looks like it may result in needed a new engine. Could i have prevented this? If so, how? Admittedly my oil changes have been less frequently as they should have been.

 

Frequent oil changes or not (hopefully you were at least changing when the truck told you to, every 10k or so), the engine/PCM should have let you know something was going wrong. A worn timing chain/phasers presents itself with chain rattle. Its VERY obvious with a obnoxious rattling for a couple seconds on cold start (google it, you'll find some videos). It should also present itself with codes like P0016 for cam and crank being out of alignment.

Did you have a check engine light? How infrequent were your oil changes?

 

If you keep your vehicles for many miles the best thing you can do is 5k mile oil changes with a top rated full synthetic oil. Pennzoil Platinum (Ultra is rated higher but it's not readily available everywhere) and Quaker State Full Synthetic are my go-tos.

 

I'm with [Henry]. By the point of breaking, the computer should have seen stretch to the point of setting off one of many codes. I have had/replaced/maintained/etc hundreds of motorcycle chains, and never have they broken without warning (stretch is most common) or some catastrophic issue.

@BadAV while I agree with your sentiment, typing it is like starting an oil change or catch can thread!

 

He asked, I gave my educated opinion. People are free to do with it as they please. It is the Wild West Internet, after all.

 

It's an interference engine. If the timing chain snapped, the chain is the least of your worries. New engine time.

 

Did you have any codes prior to? any chain rattles on cold start? has it ever been replaced before? I have heard of aftermarket chains breaking. Seems odd it would snap out of the blue. Not really a way to check it without pulling valve covers or timing covers.

 

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You have a mis conception about this engine.
On a check-up, there is no checking the Cam drive >>>chains<<< for wear.
On a >>belt drive system<< it's a different story and part of recommended maintenance.
Either system drive can fail at any time due to some defect even before wear causes failure.
And yes. these chain drives will be fatal to the valve train, and cylinder damage due to interference.
I often have multiple close calls from other drivers, every time I go out on the road, so what's new?
Good luck.