Need help with 255 Variable

[Joseph F]

I know never to allow a pwm to reach or exceed 255 due to the serout command. However can I create a variable and allow that variable to exceed 255? Also do i need to assign it as a word instead of a byte to allow it to work?

The reason i need this is for the pump delay I created. It currently uses 2 variables which both max out at around 240. The way its set up it gives me 11 seconds between times the pump cycles. The problem is I only lose 3psi in 11seconds from full (115 psi). I want to increase the delay without adding a 3rd variable.

Another question... With my current code the pump doesn't turn on until 11 seconds into the match (due to the variables counting up). Is there a way to start the variables at a certain value other than zero so that the pump turns on right away and then returns to its normal delay cycle?