Abstract: A fluid coupling device is provided of the type including a housing member (15) and a cover member (17), and a valve plate (31) disposed therebetween to define a fluid operating chamber (33) and a fluid reservoir chamber (35) containing fluid defining a fluid level (F), when the device is shutdown in the disengaged condition. The valve plate defines a discharge opening (47) through which fluid is pumped from the operating chamber back into the reservoir. In accordance with the invention, the cover member (17') defines an annular groove (57; 57'), including a upstream portion (59; 59'), and the cover defines a downstream portion (67; 67') in open communication between the annular groove and the reservoir. The circumferential extent of the annular groove is at least about 180 degrees, such that either the upstream portion or the downstream portion is above the fluid level for any rotational orientation of the device.