Intake manifold - mechanic says oil in coolant

The intake manifold gasket is being replaced as we speak (already $650 in). However they mechanics are the ones claiming (I did not see the intake manifold off so I could not see if there was indeed oil leaking into the intake manifold) that oil was leaking into the coolant. My question is really about the coolant flush more than anything. How detrimental can a small amount of oil in the coolant be (ie: less than a quart)?
Thanks.