An engine controlling method is provided, which includes, during motoring of the engine, outputting, by an in-cylinder pressure sensor, to a controller a signal indicative of a reference pressure corresponding to a pressure change after an intake valve of a cylinder of the engine is closed when not performing fuel injection, and then injecting, by an injector, fuel for analysis into the cylinder at a specific timing after the intake valve is closed. The method includes, by the controller, acquiring a crank angle period from the intake valve close timing, through the fuel injection, to a timing of the in-cylinder pressure reaching the reference pressure based on signals from the in-cylinder pressure sensor and a crank angle sensor, and determining a property of the injected fuel by comparing the acquired crank angle period with that of a standard fuel based on stored information on a property of the standard fuel.