Water pump bolt broke off

Then throw the whole car in the ditch. Why save what two hours worth of work can fix? Why are you trying to avoid pulling the cover? Are you trying NOT to learn something new? There's only one way to get the genie out of the bottle. Pull the cover and either fix it or replace it.

It's all part of hot rodding. Are you trying to get out of that, too?
No ..I know it comes with the game..will do what I have to in the end..is what it is.. always up for a new job