Yeah I remember mines use to do that especially in cold time it take longer to warm up. The temp needle would stay cold for while and after a few minutes idling it warms up little below the way mark. But when I began to drive, it works fine. This was due to a bad thermostat in my engine. I pulled out the bad auto zone thermostat and test in on a stove top by heating it up on the flame then dip it in room temperature water( to see if it was opening and closing at the correct temp). As for the strange sound you mention I cant say because it could be a many things I'm not there to ear.