Yes, that's normal. Your description previously didn't make good nonsense- - - -vertical clearance for oil is approximately the thickness of a strand of hair- - - -1 to 2 thousandths of an inch, ideally, and it can only be measured with something called "Plastigauge" that's available at good parts stores, or by making precision measurements of the rod bearing and crankshaft journal with micrometers. There must be a slight end play of the rod to allow for heat expansion of the big end as the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
Jerry
