Gleaner header reel/ hydraulic advice needed

I've got a '68 Gleaner G with a grain head and reel on it for the first time after a couple years of a corn header (soybeans this year). I've had the up/down and variable speed for the reel working a few weeks ago, but what I thought was a small leak in a hydraulic hose to the header turned into a big leak on my trial run last week, so I couldn't get the reel to lower, and there was no variable speed.

I replaced the two hydraulic hoses from the combine to the header, and used the old couplings to the header, which seemed OK (?). I tried it tonight; the reel lifts and the variable speed works, but I cannot get the reel to lower. I've bled the lines. Still- can't get the reel to lower (without opening up the lines and releasing fluid, that is).

I'm stumped- does anyone have any advice for me?

Thanks for any help!