I have a 96 12v with 176k on it and yesterday it just started to have a knocking noise in the motor. It's a small knock but you at times can here it over the motor noise. It is coming from the right side of the motor sort of under the motor. Idk what it could be but I'm getting worried. What's your thoughts.

 

Right as in drivers side ( looking back ) or Passenger ( looking forward )

Oil level pressures fine?

Could easily be the Lift pump, though usually it is more noticeable in the cold.

 

Is is on the passenger side around the turbo area. And yes I have full, normal oil pressure.

 

Leaking exhaust manifold gasket or cracked manifold can sound like a knock.
Look for soot to find a leak.

 

I am pretty sure it's the water pump. It's coming from the lower front passengers side. Plus it's the original pump. Pretty sure that's it. But I will check for a exhaust leak though. Although I kind of doubt that no smoke or spot leaking under hood ever...

 

Pull the serpentine belt and see if it makes any noise while turning with your hand, along with all the other pulleys. Check the harmonic damper for deterioration in the rubber section in the middle, might need a mirror to see it without removing it. Had the KDP been tabbed?