Overheating automatic transmission -- How would you know?

[covert]

Hi guys,

This is more of a theoretical issue than something I'm having a problem with -- But....

If your transmission was overheating, how would you even know?  Recently, when I did my engine swap, I bypassed the cooler in the radiator, and installed a separate transmission cooler.  (Yes, I know now I shouldn't have done that.)

So, if I did want to watch out for trouble with my current setup, what would I even watch for?  How do I know if its overheating?  What kind of damage happens if it does overheat?

Thanks,
Covert

[hemiken]

Well, Speaking from experience.  If it does over heat, as soon as you pull up and shut the engine down the tranmission will have a fit a spit trans fluid out of god know where and their will be a great big pool under the car.
Their is nothing wrong with bypassing the radiator as long as you do have a cooler fitted, this is an old Hotrod trick for when you have no room in a tight engine bay like a 33 Willys or something along those lines.
Just keep an eye on the color of the fluid as it will change color and viscosity if it is burning up.

[tactransman]

Fluid color and smell will let you know if it is overheating.