Those head bolts are tightened by torque then turn x degrees -- stretch bolts.

Given the cost of messing up, I would get new bolts, although there is nothing wrong with re-using them IF they are not too long.

For the procedure, you need to check a service manual (or the head gasket package, they often have instructions). As for the pattern, what you do it tighten each bolt, in the order illustrated, to the initial torque one bolt at a time. Some people like to do this in stages (that is, 25 ft/lbs then 35 ft/lbs, then the inital value, or something similar). You then start with the first bolt and turn the correct amount, usually 90 degrees in a single motion. Use a breaker bar, torque values aren't given. Repeat if there is a second (and maybe a third) stage.

Do clean and oil the bolts and holes, though -- dirty bolts will cause low actual torque at the head, and the gasket will blow.

The point of all this is that the bolts must be elastic enough to cope with the much greater expasion of aluminum than iron or steel -- the bolts are pre-loaded so that the head, when cold, will still be clamped down properly.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!