An apparatus and method of providing a continuous flow of discharge transmission fluid from a torque converter to a cooler of a vehicle transmission such that oil flow to the cooler begins at engine start up and wherein the apparatus includes a safety bypass valve that directs discharge from the torque converter directly to a lube circuit other, than the cooler circuit, in the event pressure within the cooler circuit rises above a predetermine pressure due to a gelling of lubricant oil or other clogging of the cooler circuit.