Another noob question, I know.

The manual recommends valve inspection every 4000 miles.  Can you tell from the engine sound whether the valves are okay?

your idle will be out of wack...

[4

Usually you'd see symptoms loooong before damage occours.
Many fold symptoms.
Start up - will start OK, but in about 5 seconds will need to ahve throttle blipped constantly till you get fully up to temp.
Then of course it wont start at all. That is if valves are tight.
If loose, it will make some serious rattling noises.
Cool.
Srinath.