I just replaced my stock clutch hose with a stainless aftermarket unit. I had the benefit of having my engine out at the same time, so it was easier to work on than what you had to work with.
In my case, I replaced the hose > filled up with fluid > attached bleeding hose to nipple (with a catch bottle) > loosened bleed nipple while manually compressing the piston > tightened the nipple and then released the piston. I cycled through until I had nothing but fresh fluid with no air-bubbles. I had to fill with fluid several times.
Note: You need to not overfill the system with fluid. As the clutch is depressed, the fluid level rises.
In your case, it sounds like you had either a big bubble that moved down or a leak. I had no issues in my case and I'm not exactly a pro at bleeding hydraulics. I take it that the clutch would not dis-engage?
In my case, I replaced the hose > filled up with fluid > attached bleeding hose to nipple (with a catch bottle) > loosened bleed nipple while manually compressing the piston > tightened the nipple and then released the piston. I cycled through until I had nothing but fresh fluid with no air-bubbles. I had to fill with fluid several times.
Note: You need to not overfill the system with fluid. As the clutch is depressed, the fluid level rises.
In your case, it sounds like you had either a big bubble that moved down or a leak. I had no issues in my case and I'm not exactly a pro at bleeding hydraulics. I take it that the clutch would not dis-engage?