I've noticed on my '02 Accord, when I first start it up in the morning, I hear a kind of knocking noise that rises/falls in sync with the RPMs. Tends to go away after a few minutes of driving. Any ideas?

 

Try to locate the sound in your engine bay. I short piece of hose can help identify the location and a mechanic's stethoscope.

If I had to guess, it may be the valve noise that stops once the engine is warmed up. The valve lash may need to be adjusted if they are off. I think that there is a writeup about this in the DIY section.

 

PA, is adjusting the valves something that is normally done by a shop when they are changing the timing belt? I plan on having that done in the early spring next year, so I'm hoping that is something that can be done concurrently?

 

I don't know if it is something that they normally do, you will have to ask. Maybe one of the techs on here will comment.

They will have the valve cover removed, so you shouldn't get charged much if anything to get the valves properly adjusted.

 

valve adjustment It is not included in the timing belt replacement

it is a good idea to have them adjust the valves at the same time if indeed valves need to be adjusted ,, you should save some money on labor and parts ( valve cover gasket, ) and valve cover is already off ( labor ),