duck duck goose

When I start up my car on a cold engine, it makes a duck duck duck, sound from under the engine cover, after it warms up though it quiets down. I took it to a mechanic and he said it might be the rings around the pistons. My friends said the valves need to be cleaned.

I know it's not normal cuz I don't hear this sound in SOHC engines.

I think the previous owner raced it all through the 8 years he drove it.

Remove the mallard stuck under your hood. He obviously doesn't like it under there.

When was the last time you had a valve adjustment? should be done every 15K

id say valves also, they make a ticking sound when not adjusted correctly.

how much would a valve adjustment usually cost?
would it be possible to do it myself?

Yes you can do a valve adjustment yourself. 1st get yourself a Helms repair manual, this will help greatly. Otherwise take it to the dealer. The Honda dealer I worked @ charged $125 parts/labor.