02 Pathfinder leaking coolant

[massimmp]

I took my 2002 pathfinder into a mechanic because I can smell coolant when the engine is running. I also observed some coolant puddles on the garage floor. The mechanic says that the leak is coming from a line that runs head to head, right up against the firewall. He's waiting for his master ASE technician to look at it before giving me a quote but says he believes that the engine may have to come out in order to repair the leak. He says the best case scenario is that the line could be accessed by removing the exhaust manifold but can't say for sure. With labor running $100 per hour, I could be looking at a repair bill around $1500 to $1800.
Wondering if anyone has knowledge or experience with this particular coolant line and can confirm the mechanics diagnosis?
thanks!