It seems that overhead camshafts made noise early. This is from The Motor Ship, june 1922. B&W engine on Fred Olsen's Batavia, 1420 tons, engines aft. First B&W engine with overhead camshaft.
130 r.p.m. six cylinders,500mm bore, 900mm stroke, i.h.p. 900.
A, camshaft. B, valve levers. C...