overheating and weak heater

You did everything correctly so far. Here is a link that tells you what to check for in case of overheating: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ab_auto_cooling_system/article/0,2021,DIY_13676_2271298,00.html It sounds like you need to check your water pump and fan. The water pump may not be working well and that affects the fan. Also, make sure the fan and radiator fins are clean. Sometimes dirt buildup can effect the cooling system.

Also, with the color of your anti-freeze you could possibly have a bad head gasket. The oil may be leaking through.

soundsto me like a few probblems, #1 was your coolent dirty brown or milk shake brown? milk shake brown would be from oil mixing with your coolent I.E. bad head gasket cracked block or head. dirty brown would be poor up keep going years and years with out chainging colent. if this is the case flush your cooling sys. and if probblem persist chainge the rad, water pump and if heater temp is still to cool chainge heater core allso. the noise you heard sounds to me like the squerll cage on your heater fan broke some fins no big deal if you feel your getting enuff heat.