The O-ring in the oil filter sometimes comes off and sticks to the engine block... if you put another filter on and don't check for this, you will get an oil leak.

The other o-ring is for the oil pain bolt. It's usually a crush washer, that should be replaced after each oil change. So if you do you own oil changes and have crush washer for the oil pan bolt, then buy new ones, the o-ring in the oil filter comes with the oil filter.

Usually you take some oil, at least i do, and smear it on the oil filter's o-ring prior to putting it on.

Hey much thanks for the help!!! I always grease the ring, but it sounded like there was something different or an additional O ring to buy.....I keep a supply of drain pan washer "o rings" and I will put new ones on each time as suggested even though I never have on my other cars. Thanks again!!

Sorry Livvie but have to correct you on this one.

There are two o-rigs that are necessary for the Ford Escape Hybrid oil change. These vehicles don't use a conventional oil filter like most cars, rather they use a replaceable element within a filter housing or "can". When you remove the can, there is a large o-ring that needs to be replaced every time according to the manual. You can buy this as a separate part from Ford (and pay dearly). Most of the parts folks at the dealer I bought mine from weren't aware of this. Ask them to look it up.

There is also a smaller o-ring that goes on the plug to this can. It should be changed as well.

You can buy the filter element and both o-rings as part of a kit that Wix and I believe Purolator sell. One heck of a lot cheaper than buying the parts individually from the stealership. I think someone said the Purolator (?) looks the same as the OEM part.

When you do go to change your oil in the FEH, drain the can first. Then, be prepared to use some serious elbow grease to get that can off - the o-ring makes a tight seal. I coat the filter element with oil before installing the new one. Also make sure you get the correct spec oil......

Yahoo FEH Group

If you buy the motorcraft filter, it does not come with a o-ring. The o-ring is on a canister which contains the filter element. I hear Wix makes the filter with the o-ring in the box. I'm on my second oil change and bought my filters and o-rings from the dealer. They had to order the o-rings which took a few days. Make sure you have the parts before changing. I didn't change the one on the plug as I have never change that one on a Ford. No leaks yet.

Also there is a drain plug on the bottom of the filter canister to drain the oil. Keep the drain pan under the plug as you take off the canister as most of the oil come out after you turn the canister a few times.

I use the oil recommented in the manual.

[b]Much, much thanks for this usefull info I appreciate it. I havent looked for the filter yet, can you tell me where it is locate and is it easily to get to??? Thanks!!

Yeup, sorry guys, I was thinking Civic Hybrid.

Excerpt from FEH Oil Change File at Yahoo FEH Group...
Locate the FEH Oil Filter: Look behind the radiator about in the center of the vehicle. You'll see hanging vertically a plastic fiber cap with a metal plug in the center screwed into a housing mounted to the engine. The FEH engine does not use a spin on metal can filter. The filter element is replaced which lives on a spring loaded spindle inside the plastic fiber housing.

Be sure to use the right replacement oil (there is also a file on alternative oils)…
Ford Escape Hybrid 2005 Owner’s Guide (2nd Printing), page 262 states:
“To protect your engine’s warranty use Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 or an equivalent 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C930-A. SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and durability performance meeting all requirements for your vehicle’s engine.”

Yahoo FEH Group

WOW!!! Much thanks for that info!! Some nice folks out there!!!![b]