Cheaper alternative to Autoglym Engine and Machine Cleaner?

[Tommie38]

As above really. I’m not a detailer by any stretch but have been very impressed with Autoglym’s Engine and Machine Cleaner. Particularly for the way it covers cleaning as well as degreasing when working on the oily bits.

That said, it isn’t the cheapest product on the market.

Are there any lower cost alternatives that broadly are packaged in the same way? I’d even consider keeping E&M for things like smartening up the engine bay and using a separate degreaser for everything else.

[ChocolateFrog]

Elbow Grease as a general degreaser isn't bad.

[_Hoppers]

Bilt Hamber Surfex HD diluted to 10%

https://bilthamber.com/product/surfex-hd/

[OldSkoolRS]

I ran out of Bilt Hamber Surfex HD, so I bought a 5 litre bottle of Screwfix degreaser for £10.99 last week. I diluted it similar to Surfex in one of my old Surfex spray bottles at about 1:10 or so. It seems to work just as well and doesn't seem to leave the white stains if I let it dry too much like Surfex does. I cleaned my door shuts, some wheelarches/suspension and engine bay with it over the last few days.

This stuff: https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-heavy-duty-...

My recently cleaned engine bay:

[Belle427]

As above, I didnt find Surfex that good whenever I used it including neat.

[hmg]

autosmart g101 Dilute as necessary.

[gweaver]

I believe Bilt Hamber and Autoglanz both formulate their cleaning products to inhibit or minimise corrosion, so that's a good reason to choose Surfex HD or Multi.
I have Multi and it seems to work well (under £4 when it's on offer too), but have nothing to compare it with.
The staining from Surfex would put me off using it near plastics.

It'd be good to hear of any other degreasers that have been formulated to inhibit corrosion.

[_Hoppers]

gweaver said:

The staining from Surfex would put me off using it near plastics.

I've never experienced Surfex HD staining tbh