The resulting noise is caused by the flame fronts colliding in the combustion chamber. Much of this occurs below the level of human hearing. Valve Springs Valve springs can wear out and lose their tension, especially if allowed to remain fixed in one position for too long, as when a car is parked for months. The steam engine in the photos uses a slide valve. I.e., it slides back and forth over a smooth surface.
Normal car valves bang against their valve seats and wear accordingly.
Heat A steam engine will almost never operate at temperatures of over 800 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature generated in a gasoline engine will almost never go below 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat is a major wear factor. Design Steam engineers designed their engines to last. No one has ever accused gasoline engine designers of the same design goal.