Here's how to find it:
1. Safety First: Make sure the engine is cool and you're working in a safe, well-lit area. Don't work under the car without proper jack stands.
2. Topside Check: Start by looking on the top of the engine. Check the sides of the engine block, particularly around the valve covers. The number is usually stamped into a relatively flat area of the block. It might be on the front, side, or even the rear of the engine.
3. Side and Bottom Check: If you can't find it on top, carefully look along the sides and underside of the engine block. You may need a flashlight and possibly a mirror to see into tight spaces.
4. Consult Your Owner's Manual: Your owner's manual *may* have a diagram showing the location of the engine number. This is the best place to start if you have it.
5. Online Resources: Search online for "[Your Ford Escape Year] V6 Engine Number Location". Adding your specific year will give you more focused results with images that may show the exact location.
The engine number itself will likely be a combination of letters and numbers. It's usually quite distinct and clearly stamped. If you find something that looks like a number but isn't clear, double-check against other possible locations. If you're still having trouble, a Ford dealership or a trusted mechanic can easily locate it for you.